Summer may seem a while away, but it is never too early to start thinking about plans and opportunities to make the most of the long days away from school. If you want to gather career relevant experiences, while also making money, applying to the Summer Youth Employment Program is worth consideration.
This year SYEP applications opened much earlier than expected and are closing accordingly. Typically, the applications open around early March and close in April. But this year, the applications have been open since January, and the deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
To provide some background, SYEP has been serving New York City students since 1963, and has provided youth from ages 14 to 24 the opportunity to explore potential career paths, serve their communities and get paid along the way. For teenagers under 15, this takes form in a weekly stipend. But teenagers aged 16 and up can work a minimum wage of up to 25 hours a week.
Participating in SYEP can be a great addition to any resume. It shows time management, leadership and collaboration skills to any future programs or jobs that you may apply to.
There is a mix of remote, in-person, as well as hybrid work. You’ll be able to pick your SYEP provider accordingly based on the ones closest to you.
If any of this is up your alley, the SYEP application link is provided. A few sensitive pieces of information are required in the application such as your social security number and parent’s W-2. It is recommended that the SYEP application is completed with a parent or guardian. The application itself can be filled out in about 30-45 minutes. SYEP typically picks its participants through a lottery system, and there is no way to better your odds.
All in all, the benefits of participating in SYEP can serve in the short term, as well as the long term. Good luck to all those applying.
