Alum Update: Key West Summer Jobs Program for Teens Leads to Lasting Results

Beginning on Monday, June 8, up to 20 Key West High School students will step into paid summer jobs with the City of Key West via the A Positive Step of Monroe County (APSMC) Idle Hands Summer Youth Employment Program.

Work opportunities span a broad range and students may find themselves organizing evidence records for the KWPD, undertaking administrative projects in the City’s Human Resources department, doing grounds maintenance or record keeping at the Key West City Cemetery, helping to conduct Geographic Information Systems (GIS) surveys for the Utilities department, promoting bike transportation and safety in the Multimodal Transportation department, and more.

Since 2010, APSMC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by youth and family advocate Billy Davis, has partnered with the City to provide these paid positions for KWHS students aged 16 and up who are returning to school in the fall.

While many participants plan to attend college, others pursue careers in the trades, military, arts, or professional fields directly after high school. “Whatever their objectives and goals may be, we meet these young people where they are, while providing an opportunity to explore their potential in a real-world work environment,” said Davis, who serves as APSMC’s Executive Director.

Recently, APSMC caught up with two program alums, each of whom spent their “Idle Hands” summer employed in the City’s Public Works Department—Cody Moore, who participated in 2016, and Aaron Castillo Jr., a 2014 alum.

Cody described learning about the “Idle Hands” opportunity through his KWHS art teacher during his junior year. “Other classmates ended up joining the program and that encouraged me to sign up as well,” he said. “I was one of the guys in the yellow high-vis jackets helping maintain trees, sidewalks—all things Key West maintenance. It was a great experience that helped me learn valuable life skills.”

Ten years later, Cody has earned an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology/Renewable Energy and is nearing completion of a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management at the College of the Florida Keys. He works as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) technician in two roles, one at CFK and the other at Hydrokinetic Energy Corp. (HEC), a renewable energy research and development facility located on Stock Island, where he works with a team that’s developed a proprietary underwater turbine to produce green electrical energy.

Cody described his summer in the “Idle Hands” program as especially fulfilling because of the opportunity to create and maintain positive change around Key West. “Plus it was great to work alongside City employees and high school friends,” he said. “One thing I learned to get good at was doing what I needed to do, not just what I wanted to do—showing up in proper work clothes, keeping a good attitude, and maintaining a strong work ethic, even when some colleagues weren’t as motivated.”

While Cody’s journey took him into renewable energy and higher education, Aaron Castillo Jr.’s story is one of dogged determination and hard-won independence.

In describing his “Idle Hands” experience, Aaron said, “I was 19 years old and this job with the City was my first job; I assisted in the Public Works Department and worked hauling large loads of materials and debris from different work sites and cleaning streets with the street sweeper. I was so excited to finally have a job and an opportunity to earn my own money.”

Aaron explained that as a child his parents had been advised there were “a number of things I would not be able to do in this life,” because he is on the autism spectrum. Aaron joined the “Idle Hands” program through TIES: Transition to Independence, Employment, and Success, a joint endeavor between the Exceptional Student Education Department of Monroe County School District, Vocational Rehabilitation, the United States Navy and other community partners.

Aaron said the independence he gained from that summer of work with the City set him on a path to overcoming a lot of obstacles. He described setting alarms to make sure he was on time for work, making and packing his own lunch, and going to the bank with his parents to set up an account in his own name. “I was learning responsibility and not sitting at home bored and playing video games.”

Now, 12 years later, Aaron is employed by the City of Key West as a maintenance worker. “I drive the work truck and help maintain the city streets and sidewalks and keep other public areas clean.” Aaron has also obtained a certificate in Hospitality from the College of the Florida Keys; is a member of Historic Union Lodge #47 F. & A.M. P.H.A., and helps coach a Little League football team, staying active in community and youth programs.

Aaron credits his faith, community, and his own hard work with his achievements and says, “I would recommend the APSMC “Idle Hands” program to any eligible KWHS student. It’s a great environment to learn about workplace conduct and to gain a foundation of experience.”

Sustaining the APSMC Idle Hands Summer Youth Employment program requires significant community support. According to Davis, the cost of running it is approximately $100,000 annually. Each year, the City of Key West contributes $35,000 toward student payroll, while APSMC raises the balance through an ongoing series of fundraisers—including the annual holiday season “Rudolph Red Nose 5K”—as well as donations from generous individuals, clubs, and businesses, including the local Lilly Pulitzer boutique, The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club, Cigna Insurance Company, and Waste Management.

“Like many Florida nonprofits, APSMC faced real challenges in 2025—and we met them,” said Davis. “But Key West’s youth can’t wait for better times. These young people aren’t just worth the investment, they’re the return on it, so we’re asking our community to help fuel the next chapter.”

For more information about APSMC, its programs, and how you can get involved, contact Billy Davis at 305-304-1969 or APSMCCRP@aol.com.

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