Participant Frequently Asked Questions

As a 16-24 year old youth you will participate in a work based experience that will match your interests and provide enriching career exploration, help foster leadership, networking and develop numerous skills. 14-15 year olds will learn about career opportunities and make a difference in the community through paid, Project- Based Learning (PBL) classes. Youth will earn the New York State minimum wage of $15.00 an hour and may work up to 25 hours per week for six weeks in July and August.

To be eligible for SYEP, you must meet the following requirements:  

• Between the ages of 14 and 24 as of July 5, 2022
• Be a permanent resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City  
• Be legally allowed to work in New York City

The 2023 SYEP application will open Monday, February 13, 2023. The link to submit your application is https://application.nycsyep.com/. You can also download a paper application and drop it off at our John Bowne Office, though we strongly recommend submitting an online application if you are able to.

The 2023 application deadline has been extended and is now open through April 14, 2023.

Youth can be selected to the program via two options – through a lottery or direct recruitment by an SYEP provider to specialized programming. DYCD will conduct a lottery to select participants to the program. There will be more than one lottery to ensure that all seats in the program are filled. If you are selected by the lottery you will be contacted via the email address and/or phone number you provide in your application. You can check the status of your application by visiting the DYCD website (www.nyc.gov/dycd)

SYEP is 25 hours a week for six weeks from July 5, 2023 through August 11, 2023 or July 10, 2023 to August 18, 2023.

Participants will earn the New York State minimum wage of $15.00 an hour and may work up to 25 hours per week for six weeks in July and August. Participants are paid weekly with a debit card or with Direct Deposit to a bank account of their choice.

No. DYCD does not require a fee for applying to SYEP and no one is allowed to charge a fee for participation or application entry. During the summer, you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from work as well as your own meals. These are the only out-of-pocket costs that you should incur while working for SYEP.

No, only the first application submitted will be accepted. Submitting multiple applications may prevent you from consideration in the job.

2023 SYEP Participant Checklist – Older Youth

2023 SYEP Participant Checklist – Younger Youth

It will depend on your school schedule and whether it can accommodate both your work placement schedule and school.

Internet access is required to participate in SYEP. Please let your provider know if you do not have an internet connected device including a smartphone, iPad, or computer.

No, once an application is submitted, a participant is required to remain with that provider.

A provider is the organization that collects your application, enrolls you and places you in your summer experience. Samuel Field YM&YWHA, Inc. is a provider of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). They handle recruitment, review required documents, enroll participants, facilitate orientation, develop worksites partnerships, and create PBL curriculum.

DYCD (Department of Youth and Community Development) is the NYC agency that funds the program and determines program policy/document guidelines. They fund all aspects of the program including participant pay, determines required participant documents,  and conduct program audit to ensure document compliance.

Career Ready is a version of SYEP that is exclusive to participating schools. Our participating schools are Pan American International High School, Richmond Hill High School, and John Bowne High School.

Payroll Commit is the formal processing of the previous week’s hours which happens every Tuesday over the summer, starting with week 2.

A Worksite Supervisor is the onsite “boss” or person you report to while at your worksite.