Summer Youth Employment Program

The NYC Department of Youth & Community Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) connects New York City youth ages 16 to 24 with a six-week paid summer work experience. Employers can hire SYEP participants for short-term jobs and internships at no cost. Young people are matched into roles based on their age, skills, and interests and paid directly by the City of New York.

Employers can fill short-term jobs and internships through SYEP at no cost; participants are paid local minimum wage directly by the City of New York. Participating in SYEP also offers your company the following advantages:

• Filling needs during the busy summer season
• Training potential permanent staff
• Building supervisory experience in current employees
• Driving community engagement
• Strengthening future talent pipelines
• Benefiting from the energy and creativity of our city’s young people

Our program focuses on serving youth and communities citywide, especially those who live in neighborhoods most affected by violence, residents of public housing, students with disabilities, and young people in the foster care system. Connecting with these diverse and talented young New Yorkers helps employers continue to build a workforce that reflects our communities and enables your company to engage as leaders with the next generation.

Interested employers will be contacted within two to three weeks of submitting their application. We’ll meet with employers to:

• Confirm eligibility to serve as a worksite
• Identify participants for placement at the worksite

Placements are typically finalized by early June. SYEP participants work up to 25 hours per week for a total of 150 hours over 6 weeks. In 2024, employers can choose to have participants work from July 1 through August 10 or July 8 through August 17.

SYEP is often a young New Yorker’s first work experience. Many participants have skills in areas such as Microsoft Office or social media and have access to professional and technical development opportunities during the program. When submitting a worksite application, employers can identify preferred skills or experience for their roles.

SYEP participants can work in the following occupations:

• Architecture and Engineering
• Art, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
• Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
• Business and Financial Operations
• Community and Social Services
• Computer and Mathematical
• Educational Instruction and Library
• Food Preparation and Service
• Healthcare Support
• Legal
• Life, Physical, and Social Sciences
• Office and Administrative Support
• Personal Care and Service
• Production
• Sales and Related Occupations
• Transportation and Material Moving

SYEP can benefit employers who are interested in the following:

• Hiring for 1-10 positions
• Hiring for 11-100 positions
• Hiring for 100+ positions
• Hiring temporarily
• Hosting interns
• Hosting or participating in job fairs
• Hosting workplace tours
• Offering mentorship or coaching
• Participating in industry-specific events

Employers large and small can participate in SYEP. Jobs and internships can take place across the five boroughs or remotely. Employers within the tristate area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut may be approved to host SYEP participants if they can support young people with transportation.

Apply to host SYEP participants. Applications are typically open between late January and early May. During other time periods or for more information, visit the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development employer partner website or call us at 800-246-4646.