Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced that over 700 youth age 14 – 20 will get paid work experience this summer, through the Suffolk County Summer Youth Employment (SYEP) Program.
Working 25 hours/week and earning $14/hour, participants will work throughout the county in offices, schools, farms and community organizations, where they will develop both intrapersonal and technical skills that can help them prepare for one of the many careers pathways available on Long Island.
“This program allows participants to not only earn a wage, but to gain experience to put on a resume, develop a strong work ethic and desire to succeed, and attain skills that will prepare them for joining the workforce once their education is completed,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “This year, while we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are able to accommodate an additional 200 youngsters in the program that will provide them with their first adventure in the world of work.”
With the help of local school districts, not-for profits, and community based organizations Suffolk County is able to provide work experience to an additional 200 individuals, as well as expand work experience to include agriculture, creative economy, hospitality, education and government to align with in-demand occupations.
Suffolk was awarded $1,813,908 for the Summer Youth Employment Program, funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) federal grant program. This year, in the joint effort between the county departments of Social Services and Labor, 700 to 800 economically disadvantaged youngsters and others that are eligible for this program will work at approximately 60 sites throughout Suffolk County.
The majority of sites will start July 6 and will work until August 20. Youth ages 14 to 20, will work 25 hours/week and will earn $14/hour. The summer activities will be a combination of onsite employment, and virtual work readiness and financial literacy training.
“There is an average of 26,000 jobs on Long Island posted every day, many of which have career ladders that enable people to advance their financial position and their education,” said Suffolk County Commissioner of Labor, Rosalie Drago. “Providing youth – our emerging workforce – with the ability to gain critical workplace skills and experience helps increase economic vitality in the region.”
This summer, as was the case last year, safety of SYEP participants is essential. All workplaces and education/training settings must comply with health and safety regulations and adhere to State and federal guidance related to COVID-19.
Additional steps required include those related to social distancing, facility cleaning and disinfecting, the wearing of face coverings and practicing of proper hygiene. All 2021 SYEP placements must be in compliance with current Center for Disease Control and New York State Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for participants.
Applications for the program are submitted through school guidance offices, community organizations, county legislator offices and the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs. Applications may also be obtained online at the Labor Department website.