The Erie County Department of Social Services, in collaboration with program operators Buffalo Urban League and Catholic Charities is pleased to announce the 2018 Erie County Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). SYEP is an eight-week program operating from July 9, 2018 through August 31, 2018 that serves Erie County youth between the ages of 14 and 20 years of age. Youth in the program work in the community at worksites known as SYEP providers and earn minimum wage rate of $10.40/hr. To be eligible youth must have a family income below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Erie County was allocated $1.7 million from New York State Temporary Aid to Needy Families funds to administer the SYEP program.

“Approximately 700 Erie County youth will participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program in 2018.” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Marie Cannon. “In addition to invaluable work experience, the program offers meaningful work readiness preparation and life skill acquisition. Our goal is to prepare the participating youth to become adults who seek and sustain employment.”

Youth interested in applying to participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program can download an application at www.erie.gov/syep; pick one up at Erie County Department of Social Services Comprehensive Employment Division at 290 Main St. in Buffalo or call (716) 858-1348 to request an application.

The Erie County Department of Social Services is currently accepting applications from businesses/organizations interesting in hosting participants as SYEP worksites. Employers interested in providing opportunities for youth placements through the SYEP should contact Donna Robb of the Erie County Department of Social Services Employment Division by calling (716) 858-4584 or emailing Donna.Robb@erie.gov.

For more information:

On the Summer Youth Employment Program, visit www.erie.gov/syep