The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP), sponsored by the Seattle Human Services Department, announces the launch of a new year-round pre-employment program to support 200 youth and young adults grow as community leaders and prepare for future work and career opportunities. This is an expansion to the current summer-only SYEP internship program. The new model will provide job-readiness skills, career navigation, exploration and skill building through job readiness workshops employer site visits and professional networking opportunities. The skills and knowledge gained in the year-round program, along with SYEP support services, will prepare participants for success in their summer internships.
The year-round model will run from October 2019 to August 2020. Beginning in October, participants will attend weekly sessions and participate in team activities, skills workshops, one on one coaching and support services, assessments, and attending career discovery days. Participants will earn a maximum stipend of $250 per module. Those who complete the series will have a guaranteed 150-hour internship that pays $16 per hour in the summer of 2020. 
SEATTLE (August 15, 2019) – The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP), sponsored by the Seattle Human Services Department, announces the launch of a new year-round pre-employment program to support 200 youth and young adults in growing as community leaders and preparing for future work and career opportunities. This is an expansion to the current summer-only SYEP internship program. The new model will provide job-readiness skills, career navigation, exploration, and skill building through job readiness workshops, employer site visits, and professional networking opportunities. The skills and knowledge gained in the year-round program, along with SYEP support services, will prepare participants for success in their summer internships.
The year-round model will run from October 2019 to August 2020. Beginning in October, participants will attend weekly sessions and career discovery days, and participate in team activities, skills workshops, one-on-one coaching and support services, and assessments. Participants will earn a maximum stipend of $300 per module. Those who complete the series will have a guaranteed 150-hour internship that pays $16 per hour in the summer of 2020.
The change comes as part of the Mayor’s response to better meet the needs of youth and young adults within the regional economy, especially low-income youth who often lack access to meaningful career connections and opportunities in their teen years. The goal of the expanded program is to prepare youth for entry-level jobs in Seattle and increase their ability to pursue careers that are meaningful and pay a livable wage.
SYEP will be accepting applications for the year-round program from August 15‒September 9, 2019. (**UPDATE 9/6: The application deadline has been extended to Midnight on Monday, September 16) To be eligible, applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria:
- Commit to a year-round program with weekday and some weekend activities;
- Live within Seattle city limits;
- Be between the ages of 16‒24 years old by start of program; and have
- Household income at or below 80% of the 2019 HUD median income for Seattle/King County.
For more information, guidelines, and the application, please visit www.seattle.gov/syep.
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