(Washington, DC) - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Department of Employment Services (DOES) Acting Director Joseph P. Walsh today announced that the District’s Summer Youth Employment (SYEP) has exceeded 20,000 youth registrants - the largest number registered since the 1980s. SYEP is the District’s premier summer youth work experience, open to young adults between the ages of 14 to 21. The nine week program runs from June 18 to August 21.
“My administration is committed to creating a stronger and more successful Summer Youth Employment Program,” said Mayor Fenty. “This year, we have made numerous enhancements to the program to ensure that our youth 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 is entirely online and enables youth to benefit from early registration. While registration in this year’s program will be on-going, young adults who register by May 1 will be able to choose their top 5 preferred summer jobs. Young job-seekers are required to sign up online at summerjobs.dc.gov. The 2009 SYEP program has also greatly improved eligibility verification. Once applications are received, documents will be digitally checked against DCPS records and the Social Security Administration’s system for quick approval.
“It is more important than ever before that we offer our youth the opportunity to work and gain valuable job-readiness skills so that they can succeed in life,” said Acting DOES Director Walsh. “This year’s program demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to the city’s young people and provides the opportunity to choose from a variety of exciting jobs.”
Over 40 District government agencies will offer more than 10,000 job opportunities. Programs in District agencies will primarily be held at the District of Columbia Public Schools, District Department of Environment and the Department of Parks and Recreation. This year more than three times the number of private sector job opportunities will be offered. Jobs will also be offered though community based organizations and the federal government.
District youth may also participate in the DC Scholars Internship Program offered through the White House. The program provides part-time internships to students who are interested in gaining valuable leadership skills and are committed to public service. The DC Scholars Internship program runs from June 22 through August 14. Selected applicants will receive a stipend through SYEP.
Today, Mayor Fenty also announced that the District is proposing a revision to the 2009 budget that will fully finance the SYEP program using the District’s community benefit fund, totaling $24 million. This revised budget will address the funding needs of SYEP, as well as citywide Local Fund revenue reductions and the availability of State Fiscal Stabilization funds. The budget proposal will be submitted to the DC Council next week.
In March, the District kicked off early registration for the 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 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