Four standout participants of the Westchester County Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) who took the spotlight at Carver Center’s SYEP closing ceremony are: Sebastian Mora, Carver Camp; Roaa Mohammed, Carver Camp; Melani Lopez, Carver Center Camp; and Ana Ruiz of New York Presbyterian Hospital. They spent their summer working and reflecting the confidence, professionalism and career exploration mindset that the SYEP program is designed for. Their achievements are just a small sample of the hundreds of success stories that occurred across the county this summer.
Each summer, the TANF Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) opens doors for Westchester County teens and young adults to gain their first real-world work experience. Supported by the Westchester–Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB), SYEP provides subsidized employment opportunities for income-eligible youth ages 14 to 20. Employers are incentivized to hire participants because wages are covered by program funds, making it possible for small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to take on youth workers at no cost. Employers include government agencies, county parks and recreation centers, nonprofit organizations and small businesses.
Participants receive job-readiness training in areas such as financial literacy, resume writing and interview preparation, while also gaining hands-on experience in workplaces ranging from community centers to hospitals. This combination of training and employment helps youth build confidence, explore career pathways and develop the professionalism needed to succeed in the workforce.
Liz Oliveto, WPWDB Youth Program director said, “We are truly grateful to the employers, community partners, families and staff whose support makes SYEP possible each year. It’s inspiring to watch our community come together each summer to open doors for young people and invest in their futures. And most of all, congratulations to our youth participants —who have worked hard, spoken up for themselves and shown what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.”
WPWDB is comprised of leaders and staff of state and county government agencies, nonprofits, public education and the private sector who work together to strengthen the partnerships among business, education and service providers within the Career Center Network to meet the needs for a skilled workforce. The WPWDB pursues funding opportunities and develops model programs and leading-edge practices. The network is made up of four Career Centers (White Plains, Mount Vernon, Peekskill and Carmel) as well as partner agencies that provide state-of-the-art technology, training, resources and services to youth, adults and employers.
