The Erie County Department of Social Services (“ECDSS”) has announced that the Buffalo Urban League (“BUL”), in partnership with Catholic Charities, has been awarded a contract to administer the county’s Summer Youth Employment Program (“SYEP”). SYEP provides income-eligible youth between the ages of 14 and 20 with paid summer employment for eight weeks starting July 10th through September 1st. To be eligible, the youth must have a family income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($49,200 for a family of four).

“Approximately 700 young Erie County residents will participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program, providing them with a meaningful experience in the workforce,” said Erie County Department Social Services Commissioner Al Dirschberger. ”This experience has been shown to result in improved academic performance and increased job prospects in the future. We look forward to working with Buffalo Urban League and Catholic Charities to enhance this critical program.”

The Erie County Legislature approved the $1.4 million contract with BUL and Catholic Charities earlier in May. In the Program, youth will be assigned to worksites where they work 20 hours per week and are paid the New York State minimum wage ($9.70 per hour). In addition to employment, SYEP also provides workshops on job readiness, career exploration, and financial literacy along with opportunities to continue education and social growth.

“The Sumer Youth Employment Program is a unique opportunity to provide youth with valuable knowledge and skills required in the workplace with the direct involvement of area employers,” said Brenda McDuffie, President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League. “Also, the program will expand the partnership between Catholic Charities, the county Department of Social Services and Buffalo Urban League to further develop the workforce in Erie County.”

“Catholic Charities is pleased to partner with the Erie County Department of Social Services and the Buffalo Urban League to provide this summer employment opportunity for our young people living in Buffalo and Erie County. We bring over 40 years of experience in serving our youth through educational enhancement, counseling, and other supportive wrap-around services to this collaboration," said Catholic Charities Chief Executive Officer Dennis C. Walczyk. "We look forward to launching this exciting project very soon.”

Worksites to host participants and youth for the Summer Youth Employment Program are currently being recruited. Interested employers and individuals can visit http://www.2erie.gov/syep/ or call the Buffalo Urban League at 716-250-2428.

Applications are due June 2, 2017.

For more information:

On the Summer Youth Employment program, visit: http://www2.erie.gov/syep/

On the Buffalo Urban League, visit: http://buffalourbanleague.org/

On Catholic Charities, visit: https://www.ccwny.org/