(Washington, DC) – Today, the Fenty Administration kicked off the District’s 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) with more than 22,000 registrants ready to embark upon a productive summer of work experience.  Approximately 6,000 young adults attended today’s first day of the SYEP’s 2009 three-day orientation at the Walter Washington Convention Center in the northwest section of the District. Youth will report to their individual worksites on Monday, June 22, 2009.

“We are pleased to start this year’s SYEP with many improvements and upgrades to ensure our youth have a fruitful work experience this summer,” Mayor Fenty said. “The participation levels by District youth and employers are the highest in years, and we look forward to a great summer for this program.”

This year’s orientation features morning and afternoon sessions and will focus on helping youth workers successfully transition into their summer work experience.  The Urban Alliance Foundation, Inc., a local nonprofit organization that works with youth contracted by the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES), will conduct four 90-minute to three-hour workshops on work-related issues, such as employability skills, time management, professional decorum, and how to properly use pay cards.

“This orientation is our way of ensuring that our 2009 youth workers get the support they need as they gear up for this exciting experience,” said Joseph Walsh, director of the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES). “For many, this will be their first real exposure to the professional arena. We believe this orientation and its offerings will be critical to each youth’s success.”

The 2009 SYEP made substantial changes to its registration efforts to ensure a smoother experience for District youth. Enhancements included introducing a completely online system to ensure an easier application and certification process for the youth. Youth participants and their individual work sites will utilize an electronic payroll system that will allow time and attendance to be entered and verified daily.  Youth will continue to use the summer jobs website to learn more information about the program and other workforce development opportunities throughout the summer.

The Office of Youth Programs offers several programs throughout the year to help District youth, ages 14 -24, develop the skills and attitudes needed to successfully compete in today’s competitive labor market. SYEP, one of Mayor Fenty’s premier initiatives, provides city youth, ages 14 -21, career exposure and academic enrichment opportunities to allow them to consistently develop the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in the workplace.

For additional information on the SYEP ‘09, please visit summerjobs.dc.gov, or contact the DOES Office of Youth Programs at (202) 698-3492.