Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Summer Youth Employment (SYEP) is a city-wide work experience program that provides low-income youth a chance to step into the role of employee in an actual workplace. On the job, they develop and practice workplace skills under the guidance of an adult supervisor while on the school vacation. Through the Summer Youth Employment Program, young people have the opportunity to earn their first paycheck and participate in enhancement services.

SYEP activities are coordinated by members of the current youth system: Catholic Charities, El Proyecto Del Barrio, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, LAUSD, UCLA Community Based Learning Program, Watts Labor Community Action Center, and the Los Angeles Youth Opportunity Movement.

In cooperation with community employers, youth receive meaningful work assignments at over 500 work sites located in municipal offices, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. On average, youth work for four hours daily and extend the experience through participation in enhancement activities.

Enhancement Activities Include:

• On-site math and remediation coordinated through LAUSD skills agencies

• Workshops on topics such as Resume Writing, Professional Etiquette, Assertiveness, Mock Interviews, Public Speaking, and Goal Setting

• Weekly seminars covering such as Diversity, Financial Literacy, Preparing for College, Financing your Education

• Placement on the UCLA and USC campuses

• Participation as teen jurors for Justice All-Star, a Los Angeles County youth adjudication program

• Career Days

• Program culmination celebration and certificates

  
  

The SYEP program is funded by the Los Angeles City General Fund.