Program Provides Young People Work Opportunities

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino recently congratulated 166 young participants of varied passions and backgrounds who successfully completed the Department of Community and Family Services’ (DCFS) Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Organized by the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB), the SYEP offers valuable work experience and essential life skills to help prepare these young people for future employment.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “I’m so proud of each of the students who took part in this year’s Summer Youth Employment Program. All summer long, they’ve shown incredible dedication — not just to the work they were doing, but to their own personal growth. The skills, confidence and connections they’ve built will serve them well no matter where life takes them. As someone who didn’t take the traditional path, I admire their willingness to step up, try new things and take charge of their future. I can’t wait to see the paths they choose and the accomplishments that lie ahead!”

The SYEP is an annual program available to eligible students aged 14 to 20 whose families qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program spans six to eight weeks and covers various topics, including teamwork, problem-solving, stress management, employment strategies, basic financial management, communication skills and goal setting, culminating in today’s graduation ceremony at Dutchess BOCES in Salt Point.

In addition to the training, students receive summer job placements and mentorship. They work at one of 16 local organizations and businesses for an average of 20 hours per week throughout July and August, applying the skills they learn on the job. Weekly meetings allowed students to share their workplace successes and learn from each other’s experiences.

The job placements exposed students to a wide range of industries, thanks to partnerships with local businesses, organizations and government agencies. This exposure helps participants discover their interests and potential career paths. This year’s partners included Red Hook Stationery Co. in Red Hook, Wassaic Project in Wassaic, Family Services in Poughkeepsie and Golden Wok in Millerton, among others.

As part of the event, the young graduates attended a career fair, featuring more than 25 businesses; took part in roundtable discussions with local businesspeople to learn about their respective career paths and information about a career, in an informal conversation; group sessions about Dutchess Community College admission; and financial literacy workshops from Rhinebeck Bank.

The day’s special age-specific activities, both new for 2025, included:
• Recent high school graduates, as well as SYEP participants ages 18-20, took part in a special session with local businesses and agencies – including Dutchess Community College, Dutchess BOCES, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Open Hub and Dorsey Metrology International – which discussed with the students entry-level careers, credentials, stackable credentials and training for jobs that are currently hiring.
• Participants ages 14-18 participated in career exploration through the use of virtual-reality technology and robotics.

DCWIB Executive Director Louise McLoughlin said, “The Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board is proud to once again partner with the Department of Community and Family Services to offer this impactful program that benefits so many young individuals. Over the course of the summer, these graduates have gained valuable skills they can carry with them for life, and we hope they continue to build on that foundation as they move beyond their school years.”

DCFS directed $601,494 to the DCWIB for the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program from the federally funded TANF program.