Youth Employment Program

The Youth Employment Program (YEP) encourages skill development, supports career and educational goals, increases civic engagement and provides a creative and supportive environment for young people.

Through both year-round and summer programs, YEP provides:

• Summer jobs at community worksites throughout Brooklyn
• Internships, job-shadowing, and entrepreneurial projects
• Groups focusing on positive social development
• Groups focusing on Service Learning
• Group and individual sessions focusing on college access and financial aid
• Career, college and social skill building trips (day and overnight)
• Informational Events for Families
• Work-readiness training for disconnected youth

YEP Programs include:

The WAVE and Rise-On Programs are service-learning programs for high school freshmen and sophomores. The programs aim to cultivate an ethic of service, increase civic engagement and build life and critical thinking skills. Participants in this group come together around a common theme (such as poverty or immigration) to conduct research, design assessments and plan and carry out multiple service projects over the course of the year.

CAP (Community Aid Project) is a service-learning program for an integrated group of high school juniors and seniors. Like WAVE and Rise-On, the program aims to cultivate an ethic of service, increase civic engagement and build life and critical thinking skills. The CAP Program purposefully articulates "Education" as its service theme and supports youth to reflect on their K-12 educational experiences and begin thinking about higher education issues and opportunities. Participants attend a Friday "College Resource Group" for seven weeks to receive support during this important transition.

The SEEK Program offers college exploration and entrepreneurial opportunities for high school juniors. Participants in this group learn how to apply to college, go on college visits, write business plans, launch small businesses, and job shadow professionals. Youth are guaranteed a Summer Youth Employment Program job.

The Step-Up Program helps high school seniors transition to college or the work force. Participants in this group learn how to apply to college, research and apply for scholarships and financial aid, write resumes, and develop job-interviewing skills. They have the opportunity to participate in an internship and are guaranteed a SYEP job.

SPIN (Supporting Potential in the Neighborhood) is a 10-week work-readiness training program for 16-21 year olds who are "disconnected" from both work and educational opportunities. Classes include Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Clerical Skills, Creative Writing, Computer Skills, Interview Skills, and Resume Writing. Each youth sets personal goals with the support of an assigned Mentor. Referral to GED Programs and/or job placement provided.

The Summer Youth Employment Program offers summer jobs for youth age 14-21 with employers throughout Brooklyn. Worksites include local government agencies, libraries, hospitals and clinics, child care centers, summer day camps, senior centers and nursing homes, community organizations and retail firms.

The YEP offers monthly stipends for high school participants in WAVE, Rise-On, CAP, SEEK and Step-Up.

Youth Employment Program
135 35th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232
(718) 840-1640