(Washington, DC) - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Department of Employment Services Acting Director Joseph P. Walsh today kicked off the Summer Youth Job Expo, and encouraged youth to register early for the 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). The Summer Youth Job Expo is being held today and tomorrow at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 10 am to 6 pm.
Youth will have the opportunity to meet and interview with approximately 150 employers, choose their preferred summer job, and complete an online career survey that will suggest potential jobs matching their interests. Over 40 District government agencies will offer more than 9,500 job opportunities. More than three times the number of private sector job opportunities than last year will be offered.
“We are committed to preparing District youth with valuable job skills for the future,” said Mayor Fenty. “We encourage all youth to seize this great opportunity to gain a meaningful summer work experience.”
The registration process for this year’s SYEP has greatly improved from previous years. For the first time, registration will be entirely online and enable youth to benefit from early registration. While registration in this year’s program will be ongoing, young adults who register by May 1, 2009 will be able to choose their top 5 preferred summer jobs. Young job-seekers are required to sign up online at summerjobs.dc.gov.
“Offering our young people opportunities to build job-readiness skills is crucial to their success,” said Acting Director Joseph Walsh. “By taking advantage of early registration and the new online system, District youth can act now to secure a summer job.”
Thousands of youth are expected to participate in the District’s premier summer youth work experience, which is open to young adults between the ages of 14 to 21 and runs from June 18 to August 21.
SYEP provides an array of summer jobs in areas that include:
- arts, design and media
- building and grounds maintenance
- community and social services
- construction trades
- education, training and library science
- health care support
- hospitality and tourism
- office and administration support
- sports and physical education
SYEP participants are paid the federal minimum wage. For additional information on the 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program or the Summer Youth Job Expo, please visit the summer job website or call the DOES Office of Youth Programs at (202) 698-5832.