Summer Youth Employment Program
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​​​​​​​​​The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides jobs and workplace readiness skills to young people, age 16 - 21, who often lack the skills required to obtain employment and succeed in the workplace. Following the program, participants can include solid work experience and abilities on their resumes. Through collaborations with local businesses, not-for-profits, and city agencies, participants are provided with opportunities to develop skills, set career goals, earn money and learn more about the community in which they live.

Applications for Summer 2018 will be available in January.

Program Information

The program is open to Virginia Beach residents, ages 16 – 21, and runs June 19 - August 10, 2018. Participants will earn at least $7.50 per hour for 35-40 hours per week for seven weeks and are ​screened, interviewed and matched with prospective employers. Workplace readiness and financial literacy training will be provided. 

Previous placements have included a variety of city agencies such as Parks & Recreation, Public Health, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and private companies including STIHL, Inc., NEX, and Forbes Candies. 

Participant Eligibility Requirements

  • ​Be at least 16 years of age and no older than 21 years of age on the first day of work
  • Reside in the city of Virginia Beach
  • Have access to reliable transportation
  • Adhere to all program policies and procedures
  • Commit to the entire seven week work program, which includes a one-week orientation training (unless otherwise given prior approval)
  • Complete the screening procedure
  • Attend all trainings as required​

Screening Procedures

  • ​Complete online applica​tion, including essay
  • If selected, complete interview as scheduled
  • Provide all documents as required: resume, two reference letters, copy of most current report card or college transcript
  • Present a valid photo ID and Social Security Card
  • Complete career and personality assessment
  • Attend full week of orientation/training

For Potential Employer Partners

The Summer Youth Employment Program collaborates with local businesses, not-for-profits, city agencies and the faith-based community to join in the challenge of youth employment in order to provide an opportunity for more youth to have meaningful summer job experiences.

Employer Benefits

  • ​Offer youth quality work experience
  • Recruitment, eligibility and placement process facilitated by program staff
  • Support from program staff for both supervisors and youth
  • Youth develop employability skills, professionalism, teamwork, and appropriate workplace behavior

Employer Role

  • ​Work site should be located in the city of Virginia Beach
  • Commit to donate funds to hire youth and/or pay the youth directly following placement
  • Provide productive and significant work assignments for youth to develop responsible work habits, basic job skills, an awareness of workplace expectations, and explore career interests
  • Provide on the job training and full work site orientation
  • Offer youth a minimum of 35 hours a week for seven weeks for no less than $7.50 per hour
  • Assign work site supervisor(s) who will serve as a positive mentor

​Virginia Beach employers interested in being a partner should complete the work assignment and employer commitment forms. 

Commonly asked questions have been summarized in this FAQ document​​. If you have any additional questions, contact Nicky Vasquez at 385-0428 or nvasquez@vbgov.com. ​ ​
Contact Information