Mayor Lee Harris' Summer Work Experience (MSWE)

Welcome to the 5th Annual Summer Work Experience

Mayor Lee Harris’ Summer Work Experience provides Shelby County young adults with an opportunity to learn new skills, gain financial independence, and grow their professional network. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are invited to work for Shelby County Government in social services, public health, emergency management, or government administration. Participants will earn a living wage of $15/hour plus a $100 bonus for perfect attendance. As Mayor Lee Harris and his administration takes on “Our Next Era,” this year’s participants will join us as we strategically enhance economic development, early childhood education, student achievement, health and wellness, public safety, and empowering families from cradle to career.

A Message from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris:

We’re excited to provide opportunities for young people who have an interest in working in government. It is my hope that they will learn professional skills that will stay with them throughout their lives. Some of our past participants have even gone on to become full-time Shelby County Government employees. Our young people will be future leaders both inside and outside of government. Our job is to help set them on that path.

A Message from Shelby County Deputy Administrator, Reginald Milton

The purpose of Mayor Lee Harris’ Summer Work Experience is found in its name “Work Experience.” Many of you may be asking yourself the question, “What do I want to do with my life?” The best way to find the answer is to expose yourself to as much work experience as possible. We’re offering not just a paycheck but also an opportunity to gain valuable skills by working in one of our government divisions.

You know you need a job to buy the things you want in life. The focus of this initiative is to help you gain the real-world exposure necessary to find not just a job, but a career. A vocation that is rewarding beyond just a paycheck. This summer you will have the opportunity to meet new people and discover skills you didn’t even know you had.

Our goal is to help you gain that experience, build your network, and better plan your long-term career. You will be doing this while helping the citizens of Shelby County.

A Message from Dr. Bernard Williams, Coordinator, Office of Education and Youth Services

I am ready to welcome the next generation of change-makers to Shelby County Government. The Mayor’s Summer Work Experience is a great opportunity to get real-world knowledge about working in government and public service. Some past participants later became permanent employees. The tools gained from this experience will help lay the foundation for the future.