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:

1. Employment – Gaining paid, practical work experience in City departments.
2. Job-Readiness Skills – Building professionalism, communication, time-management, and teamwork.
3. College and Career Exposure – Learning about future education and career opportunities through program activities.
4. Financial Literacy – Understanding budgeting, saving, and responsible money management.
5. Community Impact – Learning the value of service and understanding the community you serve.
6. Leadership – Strengthening confidence, decision-making, and personal responsibility.
7. 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

1. Visit the City of Tallahassee employment website.
2. Search for the “Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA)” posting.
3. Submit the online application and required documents.
4. Monitor email for updates on interviews, onboarding, and orientation.
5. 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)