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[quote=Anonymous]
OP - Posters are correct to say that many places especially in a metro area will only employ those over 18.  By age 17, your DD will be competing with those high school students who do have volunteering on a resume so if she is having no luck, I would suggest that she find a way to volunteer at something of interest - or not - to start to develop this aspect of her resume and reference list with a goal towards summer employment.  Certainly on the weekends she can find some organization that she could help out with.

Volunteering is key with no other experience such as baby sitting, house sitting or lawn care for example as those would at least provide some non-family references.  Also on her resume she should list any skills which she might have as in foreign languages, computer skills, sports skills, musical skills and any certifications such CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard etc. Under Education one would note the high school she attends, course of study  or area of special focus as possibly STEM, languages, health care, business , and GPA.  Without volunteer work, she might list another section called Activities to highlight sny school sport team, club, honor or other group and any leadership position as well as any community activity.  A community activity might be church group, Girl Scouting,  youth sports team etc.

At age 17 besides just a part-time job, she should also be considering how her summers are being used to help her explore career areas that she might pursue in college first-hand.  So  along with finding a way to volunteer as soon as possible, she might also consider doing some unpaid internship experiences during spring break or the summer which might increase her skills set  or at least knowledge base of real work settings.  These can also be on a resume and may offer a reference, too.

While she may not like kids, would she perhaps have the personality to be a short-term partner/mentor to a child or teen with a disability because I could almost guarantee that your area Special Olympics needs volunteers for its sports training.  A sport usually runs for 8 - 10 sessions of no more than 2 hours so it is limited time, active and she could choose sports that she is probably doing in school - basketball, swimming, track and field, tennis and of course bowling.  Special Olympics is widely recognized so it would be recognized on a resume and also help her gain an appreciation of individuals she might not know, but will meet in the world around her.

For what it is worth our youngest has a disability and while only attaining a special high school diploma, she had a wonderful resume of volunteer work (always with a peer mentor) which did help her get a job after school ended.[/quote]

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