Employ a Youth Worker
96% of SYEP supervisors stated that the youth placed in their organization added value to their workplace.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Youth are strategically paired with Job Coaches and worksites based on their skills and interests. Before starting their first day of work, youth complete 15 hours of work readiness training that includes professional development, soft skills training and financial literacy.
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 Employer Benefits
​When investing in the youth of Virginia Beach, employers are doing more than just providing them with a summer job. Employers benefit from participation in SYEP in several ways:
  • 94% of youth stated that SYEP has helped them gain a better understanding of career choices and/or education options for the future
  • 92% of youth stated that SYEP has better prepared them for the future
  • Providing youth with meaningful jobs in Virginia Beach will help them see the great opportunities we have to offer, and keep our great talent here
  • Employers are provided a Job Coach for additional support to both the youth and the supervisor

 Employer Role
  • ​Main worksite located in the City of Virginia Beach
  • Commit to paying youth the minimum rate provided by SYEP Staff
  • Provide productive and significant work assignments for youth to develop responsible work habits, basic job skills, and an awareness of workplace expectations and explore career interests
  • Offer youth 27 - 35 hours of meaning work a week for the duration of the program
  • Follow requirements stated in the SYEP Partnership Agreement​ 

 Supervisor Testimonials

Shalonda Niskey and Youth Workers​​Shalonda Niskey, Emergency Medical Services​​​​​

“We loved having the girls working at EMS this summer. Once they graduate from college, I would definitely like for them to look us up.” 





Robin S and IT Youth Workers​​Robin S, Information Technology

“The youth assigned to our area were very well equipped to handle our requests. There were 4 Supervisors in our area that worked with 11 youth workers and we all learned a few things as well as taught a few things. We were able to get a good idea of the youth workers potential and would love to see them all back again. We were very impressed with their advanced skillsets and desires to learn more. Every time we gave them one task that we thought would take them some time they were finished ahead of time. We gave them a variety of tasks. Some of the fun items and some of the not so fun items. They welcomed and handled them all very well.” ​


  • ​"This was a wonderful program and opportunity for youth to get work experience and for businesses to get support during the summer months. Our worker gained valuable job experience while we gained some extra support with work projects. A Win/Win program! What a great way to connect youth with work experience while they are identifying what they want to pursue for a job/career. - James Giangregorio, VB Central Library

  • "They [youth] bring value to our workplaces and I think it’s important that employers see the value of investing the time to mentor and educate the young workers." - Barb Lito, VB Grow Smart

  • "The SYEP program has given us the opportunity to access a viable teen workforce while exposing teens to the animal sheltering and veterinary field. The program offers youth the chance to explore different career paths in the companion animal field and teaches valuable workplace and life skills. The program coordinators prepare the youth for work prior to their first day on the job and coaches evaluate the students throughout the program. The SYEP program has been valuable to our organization; we have met some inspiring young adults, trained them to use real-life skills and benefitted from a diversified workforce. We will continue to welcome SYEP youth into our organization and recommend other organizations to participate in this win-win opportunity​." Read more​ - Juleen Balance, Virginia Beach Animal Care
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