Summer Work Project

Returning for the ninth year in 2022, the Summer Work Project (SWP) is PEAK Adventures signature program.  Over eight years, through the help of many partners, supporters and friends, we’ve built a highly successful workforce development program serving students growing up in neighborhoods experiencing high rates of poverty and violence.  Nearly all SWP participants come up through Leadership TEAM programs in middle school.

Through the Summer Work Project we promote a “learn and earn” mindset where students develop self-leadership skills, achieve beyond their expectations and realize rewards for their hard work.  The SWP has become a “culture” that the students own.  Through daily interactions with PEAK Adventures’ staff, this culture is infused with respect, responsibility, positive expectations and hope.

Summer of 2021 was the largest in terms of students employed, wages paid and work performed.  Here is a quick review:

• 33 students employed, up 43% over 2020
• 1555 hours worked, up 41% over 2020
• $15,990 in direct wages paid to students, up 45% over 2020
  • The average student earned $484 each

In 2021 our work included landscaping and mulching at five Guilford County Schools sites, weeding and harvesting for The Farm at New Garden, building raised bed planters for the Guilford Urban Farming Initiative, building components for Tiny House Community Development and yard clean up for thirteen homes occupied by elderly/widowed/disabled residents.