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SYEP Frequently Asked Questions for Employers


What is the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)?

The NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting New York City youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences each summer.

Participants can explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that help develop their social, civic, and leadership skills.

How will the new SYEP benefit employers?

The new SYEP expands to serve more young adults which provides employers with a stronger and more diverse pool of candidates.

Participating employers can host SYEP participants at no cost and youth are paid directly by DYCD. Also, employers can benefit fromthe skills and fresh ideas that youth employees can bring to their organization. Many of the SYEP participants are technologically savvy and knowledgeable of social media platforms.

Through SYEP, employers can create a pipeline of skilled and motivated NYC youth for upcoming and future permanent jobs. The many benefits that SYEP offers to employers can positively affect productivity, staff development and talent acquisition.

Who are SYEP Participants?

SYEP participants are highly motivated and talented NYC youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are interested in pursuing careersin the private, nonprofit, and public sectors.

How are participants selected?

SYEP applicants are selected through lotteries and targeted recruitment efforts.

NYC Ladders for Leaders interns undergo a rigorous and competitive application, interview, and pre-employment training processand are selected by the hiring employers.

Who places young people at worksites?

Community-based SYEP providers are responsible for placing participants at their respective worksites and work closely with employers to identify recruitment needs.

Who is responsible for paying the youth?

The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development is responsible for paying youth that are employed through SYEP.

Employers are responsible for paying youth that are employed through the Ladders for Leaders program.

How many hours can youth work, and how much are they paid?

Youth are allowed to work 25 hours per week and are paid NYS Minimum Wage.

How long is SYEP?

SYEP is a six (6) week-long program operating during the summer months of July and August.

How old are the youth that participate in SYEP?

Youth participating in SYEP are generally between 16 and 24 years old.

Ladders for Leaders participants are high school and college students between the ages of 16-21.

Where can I get more information on SYEP or sign up as an employer?

Visit www.nyc.gov/SYEP to fill out a short form with basic information regarding your contact information and recruitment needs. You can also call Youth Connect at 1-800-246-4646 or 646-343-6800.