Mayor Gray Says, Program Will Have a Much Improved Focus from Years Past
WASHINGTON – Today, Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Department of Employment Services (DOES) Acting Director Dr. Rochelle L. Webb announced the start of the application process for the 2011 “One City Summer Youth Employment Program” (SYEP) to provide important summer job experiences for 12,000 District youth ages 14 to 21.
“This year’s SYEP will be much more transparent with a more rigorous application process for both youth and host employer participants,” said Mayor Gray. A concerted effort will be made to better match youth with appropriate job assignments in order to affect a more substantive and mutually beneficial work experience for youth and host employers.”
Mayor Gray’s “One City Summer Youth Employment Program” will have several important enhancements:
• SYEP will be smaller and tailored more to the individual needs of youth.
• DOES will take many steps to ensure youth are being matched to jobs that are appropriate by offering two types of work programs:
o Work Experience programs where youth will receive hands-on experience they need to hone their job skills; and,
o Work Readiness programs where youth will receive basic skill training and enrichment they need to become more job ready.
• This year, youth will be required to “apply” for the program, not simply register.
• Employers will have multiple opportunities to interview and screen youth, including access to a database of youth resumes, telephone and in-person interview events, and a SYEP Job Expo to be held in April.
• Youth participants will engage in multiple orientation formats to better prepare themselves for work, including an online orientation course and an in-person soft skills training.
• There will be greater transparency around program requirements, dates, and deadlines to make sure everyone is aware of expectations.
“We need to prepare our youth for the unique world they are currently facing and the challenges they are likely to encounter over the next few years when they enter the labor force,” said Dr. Webb.
Beginning Friday, February 25 at 3:15 p.m. through Friday, March 11, 2011, the “One City Summer Youth Employment Program” application will be open to young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Applications can be accessed from any computer with a working Internet connection by visiting www.summerjobs.dc.gov.
This year, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so youth are encouraged to apply early. To apply, youth will need to provide their valid Security number and permanent address. All participants must be District residents. Interested youth who cannot access their Social Security numbers should contact the does’ Office of Youth Programs for assistance.
Anyone needing assistance with their application or a place to access the Internet is encouraged to attend Midnight Madness — the official SYEP application kick-off event. Midnight Madness will take place on Friday, February 25 from 3:15pm until 12:00 midnight at the new DOES building located at 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE (adjacent to the Minnesota Avenue Metro station). DOES staff will be on hand all night to assist youth and their families, and to answer any questions.
The 2011 SYEP will begin on Monday, June 27, 2011 and will end by Friday, August 5, 2011.
For additional information about the 2011 “One City Summer Youth Employment Program,” residents can visit summerjobs.dc.gov, or call the DOES at (202) 698-3492.
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