City of Albany Announces LIGHT Summer Youth Employment Program Registration Open Until March 31
Albany Residents Ages 14 to 18 Are Encouraged to Apply
ALBANY, NY – Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Department of Recreation Commissioner Jonathan Jones are pleased to announce that registration for the 2021 City of Albany Summer Youth Employment Program Learning, Initiative and Gaining Headway Together (LIGHT) is now open for city of Albany youth residents ages 14 to 18. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 31 at 4 p.m.
The 2021 SYEP will run from July 12th – August 13th. Youth employees will work up to 20 hours per week, and must meet all eligibility and orientation requirements to participate. Click here for a list of application requirements. Applications will be accepted and processed on a rolling basis, and registration does not guarantee a paid work experience. LIGHT is open to all qualified residents. Income verification is a requirement for TANF reimbursement.
To start the process, apply to the program online using a smartphone, computer or tablet. If you have questions, please review the 2021 online application FAQs section or contact us at (518) 438-1082 or at syep@albanyny.gov.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “We are so proud to once again host our nationally-recognized, award-winning Summer Youth Employment Program. The data is clear: this program helps improve high school graduation rates for our youngest residents, and prepares them for the next phase of the careers – whether that’s joining the workforce, learning a trade, or going to college.”
“We are thankful that Mayor Sheehan has made it possible for us to offer this essential program in this difficult year,” said Commissioner Jonathan Jones. “The health and safety of our communities remains our top priority and we will continue to take all appropriate measures to help keep our youth, families and staff safe.”
The goals of the program are to:
- Provide earned income to Albany youth
- Introduce and prepare youth for the world of work
- Expose our youth to the various businesses and sectors locally
- Learn transferable skills and habits from leaders in the industry
- Provide youth voice and added value to local businesses on special projects and day-to-day functions
- Create a network of professionals and caring adults for Albany’s youth.
Vacations and time-off will not be permitted for youth employees. Youth who have been assigned summer school must ensure that their job does not conflict with their instruction and study time.
Enrichment Fridays are professional development days that will again be incorporated into the SYEP programming on July 16th, July 23rd, July 30th, and August 6th. This year, enrichment is being administered on 100% virtual platform and covers the topics that will ensure participants success in the future.
Topics that are covered include:
- Planning for after High School & Post-Secondary options exploring,
- Wellness, Financial Literacy and Education, and
- Career Explorations.
Participants will have the opportunity to participate in workshops with different organizations and professionals.
We are seeking individuals that are passionate about helping our young people reach their full potential and would like to facilitate a workshop with our youth employees this summer. Reach out to Diamond Quiles, Enrichment Coordinator for more information.
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