What is Project Indy?

Project Indy is Mayor Joe Hogsett’s summer youth employment initiative. Project Indy started in 2016 in collaboration with GIPC and aligns the strategies of Mayor Hogsett, EmployIndy, Indy Chamber, and Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY). Project Indy coordinates a network of community organizations, employers, and corporate partners who are providing job opportunities, soft-skill development, and job-readiness training to in-school and out-of-school youth (ages 16-24) in Marion County. Many participants are looking for summer jobs, while others are seeking full-time employment and anything in between.

How can young people find out about a summer job?

Visit ProjectIndy.net to sign up, download the app (optional), browse for employers near you, and apply to jobs!

How can an employer find young people who are interested in summer jobs?

Employers can post summer jobs for young people at ProjectIndy.net.

When reviewing job seekers’ profiles, look for Job Ready Indy badges and hire with confidence knowing that these participants have basic employability skills needed for today’s workplace. Job Ready Indy was created in 2018 through collaboration by Mayor Hogsett, EmployIndy, Indy Chamber, and various Marion County employers and community organizations. Read more about this important workforce development initiative here.

What kind of work will young people be doing?

Each organization provides a different experience! Some of Project Indy’s not-for-profit employment partners provide opportunities to work in landscaping, light maintenance, and clean-up. Other young people are employed in the private sector doing a variety of jobs.

How young is too young to work?

A teen can get a work permit in the state of Indiana at age 14 but there are restrictions on the hours (i.e. how late, how long) and the type of work a young person can do. Work permits are available through the high school the young person attends. For more information about work permits, visit the Indiana Department of Labor website: www.in.gov/dol/childlabor.

How can I help support the program?

A simple way to support the program is to donate, which you can do here. For more information, please contact EmployIndy at contact@employindy.org or 317-639-4441. We appreciate your interest and support!

Did you know?

  • Project Indy is Indianapolis’ first comprehensive youth jobs program.
  • In its first 4 years, Project Indy has helped 12,000 young people receive employment experience and useful employability skills and has been a safe and productive alternative to crime and gangs.
  • This program is at no additional cost to taxpayers, funded through philanthropic and private sector partnerships, federal grants, and individual donations.
  • Visit ProjectIndy.net to sign up!

Project Indy Partners include: