VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's Youth Opportunities Office (YOO) is seeking Virginia Beach-based businesses as employers for its 2021 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP.) As a participating employer, organizations agree to provide a local young person with a meaningful, paid summer work experience. Each year, SYEP employs over 100 youth across city agencies and private businesses. Interested employers should complete the online request form no later than March 15, 2021.
SYEP is open to Virginia Beach residents, ages 16 to 21, and runs from June 21 to August 15. Participants will earn at least $8 per hour, working a minimum of 27-35 hours per week during the eight-week program. Applicants will be screened, interviewed and matched with prospective employers by SYEP staff. Workplace readiness and financial literacy training are also provided during the orientation and throughout the entire program.
Participation as an employer in SYEP offers a wealth of benefits, such as:
- The ability to provide Virginia Beach youth with a quality work experience.
- Recruitment, eligibility, and placement process facilitated by SYEP program staff through an extensive and strategic onboarding process.
- Support from SYEP program staff for both supervisors and youth.
- Seven-weeks of having another employee available to help meet business goals and execute tasks.
Expectations of potential employment partners include:
- Worksite must be located in Virginia Beach.
- Provide productive and significant work assignments for youth to develop responsible work habits, basic job skills, an awareness of workplace expectations, and the chance to explore career interests.
- Provide on the job training and worksite orientation.
- Offer youth employees a minimum of 27-35 hours a week for seven weeks for at least $8.04 to $8.55 per hour.
- Assign work site supervisor(s) who will serve as a positive mentor.
For additional information on becoming an SYEP employer, please visit VBgov.com/SYEP or contact Andrea Holloman at 757-385-0432, email SYEP@vbgov.com. Applications are also now being accepted for SYEP youth participants through March 8.
About Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation strives to promote healthy lifestyles and protect the City's coastal environment, as well as to ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social and economic circumstances – can access Parks & Recreation programs. The department's vision is to be the national leader in providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. For more information, visit VBgov.com/parks or call (757) 385-1100 (TTY: 757-711 Virginia Relay). Sign up for Parks & Rec email newsletters at VBgov.com/eNews. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/VBparksrec.
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