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, placing them in a position to 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, become financially empowered and learn more about the community in which they live.​

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Application for Summer 2018 now closed

Program Information

The program is open to Virginia Beach residents, ages 16 – 21, and runs June 18 - August 10, 2018. Participants will earn at least $7.65 per hour for varied hours, dependent upon the participant's placement for eight​ weeks. Individuals are ​screened, interviewed and matched with prospective employers. Workplace readiness and financial literacy training will also be provided during the orientation and throughout the entire program. 

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 by June 11th
  • Reside in the city of Virginia Beach
  • Adhere to all program policies and procedures
  • Commit to the entire eight-week work program, which includes a four-day orientation training
  • Complete the screening procedure

Screening Procedures

  • ​Complete online applica​tion, including essay
  • If selected, complete interview as scheduled
  • Provide all documents as required: resume, two reference letters (non-family members), copy of most current report card or college transcript
  • Present a valid photo ID (state-issued or school ID) and Certified Social Security Card
  • Complete career and personality assessment
  • Attend four days of orientation/training (June 18th - 21st)

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 must be located in the city of Virginia Beach
  • Commit to donate funds to hire youth and/or pay their salaries upon placement at your job site
  • 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 $7.65 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. 

If you have any additional questions, contact Andrea Holloman at 385-0432 or SYEP​@vbgov.com. ​ ​
Contact Information