Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy
The Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA) is the City of Tallahassee’s youth employment program, led by the Human Resources & Workforce Development team. TFLA provides eligible youth with paid work experience in City departments. Participants gain real job skills, learn workplace expectations, and build a work history that supports future education and career pathways.
Program Overview
TFLA offers youth an opportunity to earn a paycheck while gaining meaningful work experience in City government. The program focuses on developing professionalism, communication, teamwork, responsibility, and other workplace habits that prepare participants for success in future education or employment.
TFLA Program Purpose
TFLA is designed to help youth:
- Gain their first paid job within a structured, supportive City environment.
- Build core workplace skills including communication, teamwork, reliability, and time-management.
- Develop strong work habits that support future educational and career pathways.
- Learn how City operations function and explore public-service roles.
- Strengthen financial responsibility through managing earned income.
The Seven TFLA Pillars
To support a well-rounded experience, TFLA is built on seven program pillars that guide youth development throughout the employment period:
- Employment – Gaining paid, practical work experience in City departments.
- Job-Readiness Skills – Building professionalism, communication, time-management, and teamwork.
- College and Career Exposure – Learning about future education and career opportunities through program activities.
- Financial Literacy – Understanding budgeting, saving, and responsible money management.
- Community Impact – Learning the value of service and understanding the community you serve.
- Leadership – Strengthening confidence, decision-making, and personal responsibility.
- Personal Health and Wellness – Encouraging balance, wellness, and healthy habits for lifelong success.
What Participants Do
TFLA participants are placed in City of Tallahassee departments, where they:
- Perform job duties that support City services and operations.
- Follow a regular work schedule and report to City supervisors.
- Learn and adhere to workplace expectations, safety procedures, and City policies.
- Work as part of a team to support departmental goals.
What Participants Gain
- Paid employment during the program period.
- Hands-on work experience for future job or college applications.
- Job-readiness and workplace skills including punctuality, communication, and professionalism.
- A documented work history with the City.
- Increased confidence and independence through meaningful daily work.
- Exposure to City career pathways and public-service opportunities.
Who Can Participate
TFLA is open to youth who meet eligibility requirements, which may vary each year but generally include:
- Meeting the minimum program age requirement.
- Ability to complete the City’s hiring and onboarding process.
- Commitment to following workplace rules, schedules, and expectations.
Specific age ranges, dates, and hiring requirements will be posted with each year’s job announcement.
How to Apply
- Visit the City of Tallahassee employment website.
- Search for the “Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA)” posting.
- Submit the online application and required documents.
- Monitor email for updates on interviews, onboarding, and orientation.
- Complete all hiring steps and begin work if selected.
The program typically operates during the summer, with application periods announced annually.
Our Commitment
The Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy remains committed to Building Leaders for a Dynamic Future through meaningful youth employment opportunities that support educational success, career readiness, and lifelong development.
Contact
Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA)
City of Tallahassee
Human Resources & Workforce Development (HRWD) FAQs
The Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA) is a paid summer youth employment program that gives eligible youth the opportunity to earn a paycheck while gaining real-world work experience with the City of Tallahassee.
Participants build important workplace skills such as professionalism, communication, teamwork, responsibility, and time management—skills that support success in school, future jobs, and career planning.
Eligibility requirements are different for each position, but all applicants must:
- Live within the city of Tallahassee
- Meet the age or grade level requirements listed in the position description.
Additional steps may be required as part of the next steps of the selection process, such as attending a TFLA Youth/Family Information Session with a parent or adult family member. Details will be sent to the email address listed on the application.
TFLA positions are paid hourly based on the City of Tallahassee’s current pay structure. Pay rates vary by position. Please reference advertisements; you can find these at Talgov.com/Jobs.
The program runs for eight weeks, beginning Monday, June 1, and ending Friday, July 24, for Youth Leaders. Youth Ambassadors will work 1 week before and after the program. Selected Youth Leaders may be required to start a few days before for training.
Youth Leaders work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Weekly Structure:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Work at your assigned job placement.
- Tuesday and Thursday: Learning days with workshops, professional development, hands-on activities, and guest speakers.
Ambassadors: Additional leadership responsibilities and some afternoon meetings.
TFLA is a paid summer job, attendance and punctuality are essential. If the employee needs to miss a day, they are required to notify their supervisor ahead of time. Missed time cannot be made up.
TFLA participants may be placed in a variety of City departments. During the application process, applicants can indicate priority interest areas, which are considered during placement. Worksite activities may be in an office setting or in the field.
TFLA employees are paid by direct deposit, which is required for all City employees. Paychecks are issued every other Friday. Guidance will be provided on how to set up direct deposit , including, general information for employees under 18.
Transportation to and from your job placement is your responsibility, but several options are available:
- With a City of Tallahassee badge, TFLA participants, as City employees, can ride StarMetro buses for free.
- All K-12 students may ride StarMetro free of charge with a STAR card, or at a reduced rate without one.
Learn more: Talgov.com/Starmetro/STAR.
Yes. You will have an opportunity to visit one of our local colleges or university campuses on a designated day.
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