Norma Gottschalk, 17, says that the experience and connections she gained from participating in a municipal employment program in 2019 helped her find a job in a community organization: “I really feel very lucky. And I really feel that all the effort I have made in recent years is paying off. “
Like Norma, other young people can secure their future and apply now for a job as part of the city’s Summer Employment Program, known in English as Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
This initiative employs some 70,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 24 in both the public and private sectors.
Their goal is for youth to explore career opportunities and gain paid work experience over the summer over a six-week period beginning July 6.
Julissa Figueroa, is a SYEP provider: “At the end of the day, education is your first step, but the experiences you have on a resume through summer jobs are what give you the opportunity to get a job. “.
This program began in 1963, becoming the largest of its kind in the country. Through it, the 14- and 15-year-olds receive training on projects that last about 90 hours with payments of up to $ 700. And those 16 and older work up to 25 hours a week at $ 15 an hour.
Daniel Guillén, COO of Youth WorkForce Development, explains: “Young people have a great opportunity to work in zoos, museums, art centers, financial places like Bank of America. They can also work with children in summer camps and shopping centers too. “
Last year the program was canceled and redesigned only in virtual version due to the coronavirus. But this year, participants can choose to work both online and in person.
“It is a big change because there are more opportunities to work via the internet, we are more connected to different companies,” says Guillén.
Applicants must live in the city and have legal permission to work in the country. And those NYCHA residents and homeless girls are guaranteed a seat. Registration ends on April 23. To apply for a job you can call 311.
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