Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Friday, June 15, 2001
Release # 194-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel / Peter Fenty (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI URGES CITY'S YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM AS
APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHES

With Three Weeks to Go More Than 63,000 Applications Submitted,
Surpassing Entire Number of Applications Received Last Year

Registration for Youth 14 to 21 Years of Age Continues Until June 29th

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced today that the response to the City's Summer Youth Employment Program has been overwhelming and urged young New Yorkers interested in a summer job to submit an application prior to the June 29th deadline. As of June 11th, the City has received 63,285 completed applications from young people ages 14 to 21 who are seeking employment opportunities, far surpassing the entire number of applications received last year. The City is continuing to accept applications from eligible young people who reside in New York City and who wish to participate in this summer's program.

"I am delighted that so many of our young people have gotten the message early that summer jobs are available this year," said Mayor Giuliani. "I think it's terrific that tens of thousands of our young people have decided to take advantage of this wonderful program."

The Mayor took note of the tremendous number of applications submitted thus far and commended the Department of Employment (DOE) for its efforts in publicizing the program. "I want to commend Commissioner Antonio Pagan and his staff for their leadership and skill in reaching out to the segment of our City most in need of summer employment - our young people," the Mayor said.

"Thousands of our youngsters look forward to participating in this program every year," said Commissioner Pagan. "For many, the Summer Youth Employment Program is their first experience working at a real job. For others who have participated in the past, this program provides them with a terrific opportunity to build on the skills that they learned previously. I would urge anyone who wants to have a fun and exciting summer to apply. There's still plenty of time, but don't wait too long," Commissioner Pagan concluded.

The Summer Youth Employment Program provides young people with part-time work experience of six hours per day, four days a week, for up to seven weeks during July and August. The program will operate from July 2nd to August 16th. Those participating in the program are paid the prevailing minimum wage of $5.15 per hour. More than 300,000 applications have been made available at locations throughout the City, including libraries, public high schools and the City's One Stop Center. Completed applications can be returned to any one of the 50 intake centers located in each borough. Applications and program information are also available on the Department of Employment's web site, www.nyc.gov/html/doe or by calling the Department at (212) 442-8888.

In addition to the age requirements, a participant must be a member of a family whose income does not exceed established income guidelines, be registered for the Selective Service System (for males 18 years or older), and be authorized to work in the United States. Work sites include non-profit organizations, public agencies, day camps, museums, hospitals, cultural institutions, libraries and parks. At least 2,500 work locations are expected to be operational this summer.

For the past five years, the program has served an average of 40,000 young people each summer. Last year, approximately 54,000 applications were received and about 39,500 young men and women were served. The Summer Youth Employment Program has been in operation for more than twenty years. The total budget for this year's program is $62 million.


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