NYC summer youth employment program opens applications for 2024

Commissioner Keith Howard of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) officially unveiled the commencement of applications for the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). This initiative aims to provide 100,000 summer jobs and various paid opportunities to young individuals aged 14 to 24.

SYEP applications are accessible online or through designated community-based organizations listed at nyc.gov/syep. The application window extends from Monday, January 22, through Friday, March 1, 2024. Simultaneously, employers interested in offering paid experiences to SYEP participants can submit applications to become a worksite.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Today, we are thrilled to open the application for summer 2024 to expose our youth to new ideas, new people, and new possibilities to experience the greatest classroom in the world: New York City!”

Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana Almanzar recognized the historical investments made by the administration to ensure youth safety, engagement, and skill development. DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard highlighted the program’s continued growth, emphasizing that 100,000 participants would be connected to opportunities offering a paycheck, life and career skills, and a defined career path.

SYEP, spanning six weeks in July and August, provides paid opportunities for youth to explore potential career interests, fostering professional, social, civic, and leadership skills. Last summer saw participants at nearly 18,000 worksites across various industries.

The Ladders for Leaders program, a professional internship component of SYEP, successfully connected high-achieving youth to pre-employment training and competitive internships with leading companies. Additionally, tailored experiences were offered to those at highest risk of gun violence, served through Cure Violence, NYCHA residents, individuals with disabilities, justice-involved youth, and participants in the CareerReady SYEP aligned with high school academic learning.

The commitment to expanding SYEP was evident in initiatives such as SYEP Pride, which connected LGBTQ+ youth and allies to unique career exploration opportunities, and partnerships with City agencies and public sector organizations.

SYEP also focuses on workshops covering work readiness, career exploration, and financial literacy. Studies indicate that SYEP participation enhances school attendance, reduces incarceration rates, and contributes to the overall well-being of teens and young adults.

Prominent employers, including Con Edison and IAC, expressed their commitment to SYEP and the positive impact it has on shaping the future leaders of the city. As the application process unfolds, program updates will be communicated through DYCD’s website and social media channels, and additional information can be obtained by contacting DYCD Community Connect at 1-800-246-4646 or 311.