Summer Youth Employment Program

Mayor William D. Sessoms recently announced the Virginia Beach Summer Youth Jobs Challenge in conjunction with the U.S. Conference of Mayors National Summer Youth Jobs Challenge. In years past, we have had great success with our City-sponsored summer jobs program. However, this year, grant funds to subsidize salaries for youth workers are not available. We are asking for the community’s support because we believe that everyone can contribute in some way to the healthy development and future of our young people.

Businesses foundations and not-for profits are asked to join the Challenge by:

Hiring youth for the 2013 summer, and/or
Making a financial contribution to support summer job placements. With the assistance and donations from Virginia Beach citizens and businesses, the City of Virginia Beach will be able to reach more youth and young adults who may not otherwise have this opportunity.

To learn more about the Challenge and how you can join, contact the Youth Opportunities Office, yopps@vbgov.com, 757-385-0464.

Summer Youth Employment Program

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides jobs and workplace readiness skills to young people who often lack the skills required to obtain employment and succeed in the workplace. Following their program experience, young people can now include solid work experience and real skills on their resumes. The Youth Service Corps and the Youth to Leaders programs are City-sponsored youth employment programs.

Youth Service Corps

The Youth Service Corps (YSC) is for youth ages 14 and 15. The YSC is a partnership with the Virginia State Parks. These youth will have an opportunity to work seven hours a day for a three week period in one or two Virginia State Parks. Each participant who completes the program will receive a $500 stipend. For most of them, this will be their first job in addition to being their first time visiting a state park. Please note: There are only 15 slots available for this program which will begin in mid-July.

Download a Youth Service Corps Application. Applications must be received no later than May 15, 2013.

Youth to Leaders Program

This summer, youth ages 16 to 21 may be placed in an agency for up to seven weeks, through the Youth to Leaders program. Previous placements have included a variety of city and community agencies such as Parks and Recreation, Human Resources, Emergency Communications and Citizen Services/311 Division, a community radio station and more. These youth may work up to 35 hours a week and will be paid $7.25 an hour. Workplace readiness and financial literacy training will be required for all participants. Please note: The Youth to Leaders program is not funded at this time. We are accepting applications because we are making every effort to secure funding. If and when the funds become available, we will be able to move forward.

Download a Youth to Leaders Application. Applications must be received no later than May 8, 2013.

For Employers

Employers interested in inclusion in this program can submit a Youth Participation Job Description Form. Employers will be contacted upon receipt of this form by the Youth Opportunities Office.