County Summer Youth Employment Program is Back

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus is proud to announce the return of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), an initiative that has been serving local youth for over 30 years. This federally funded program, supported by the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) grant, provides young people with valuable employment opportunities, fostering skill development, job readiness, and mentorship.

“Participating in the SYEP is an essential step in empowering our youth and shaping a brighter future for Orange County,” said Neuhaus. “This program has provided valuable opportunities for young people to develop essential skills, gain work experience, and build mentorship relationships that will guide them toward success. It’s a powerful tool in both personal development and community involvement.”

SYEP provides youth ages 14 to 20 with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in meaningful roles across Orange County, partnering with established businesses and nonprofit organizations. Last year, participants were employed at prominent local entities such as the City of Newburgh Boys and Girls Club, Blended Smoothie and Salad Bar, and Montefiore St. Luke’s Hospital, among others. By offering these employment opportunities, the program helps keep youth engaged, fosters skill development, and promotes a focus on their future, all while contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the community.

“We had the opportunity to work with motivated young individuals eager to learn and contribute to their community,” said Celines Rodriguez, City of Middletown Recreation Department. “Throughout the program, we witnessed significant growth in the participants as they developed skills, built confidence, and gained hands-on experience.”

Youth gain valuable work experience as well as the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills, essential tools for success in any career.

“The Summer Youth Employment Program is one of the best programs our department operates,” said Steve Knob, Director of Orange County Employment and Training Administration. “This program provides employment opportunities and work experience for our emerging workforce, who are also most in need of these opportunities. It’s nice to see these young people thrive in the opportunities they are given. They are our future workforce, and we should do all we can to make that workforce successful, and this program provides that.”

Additionally, by connecting youth with local businesses and government agencies, the program strengthens ties within the community and provides a pathway for long-term employment.

“SYEP has been incredibly successful in Orange County because it provides young people with more than just a job; it offers them the chance to build valuable skills, gain real-world experience, and create lasting connections with mentors and community leaders,” said Karina Fabiano, Orange County Employment Services Youth Coordinator, Employment and Training Administration. “By offering these opportunities, we help youth unlock their potential and set them on a positive path toward a brighter future.”

Last year alone, 500 applied and 400 were placed and learned skills and had experiences that will help shape their future. For many of these youth, the program has been a transformative experience, offering opportunities for growth in key areas. As Tasean Stewart of the City of Newburgh shared, “It helped me develop communication skills, critical thinking, and time management,” while Erica Gilchrist of the City of Middletown reflected, “It showed me that things are not always going to be easy, and it’s worthwhile learning new things.” Yandell Carrasco of the City of Newburgh echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “I was able to speak to the adults to learn about the daily job, and hope to one day have a job and title like them.” These comments highlight the impact SYEP has on local youth, equipping them with skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the professional world.

For more information about the Summer Youth Employment Program and how to apply, please visit OrangeCountygov.com/1449/Summer-Youth-Employment-Program-2025.
Application for youth – deadline April 5: https://www.orangecountygov.com/DocumentCenter/View/32973/Complete-YOUTH-SYEP-2025-Application-PDF
Worksite application – deadline April 30: https://www.orangecountygov.com/DocumentCenter/View/32974/Complete-2025-Summer-Youth-Worksite-Application-PDF