Applications for the 2026 NYC Summer Youth Employment Program are still open, and young New Yorkers are encouraged to apply to the nation’s largest youth employment program. Also known as SYEP, the initiative provides New York City youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with opportunities for career exploration and paid work experience each summer.
NYC Summer Youth Employment Program
According to the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, through SYEP, participants can explore diverse interests and career paths, develop productive workplace habits, and engage in learning that will strengthen their social, civic, and leadership skills.
Last day to apply
The 2026 SYEP application is currently open with the application deadline of February 27, 2026.
Who can apply?
New Yorkers between the ages of 14 and 24 are eligible to apply for SYEP 2026 jobs.
How to log in?
Applications can be submitted online at application.nycsyep.com.
Required documents
SYEP 2026 applicants must provide photo ID, proof of age, proof of address and social security card.
Selection process
Candidates for SYEP jobs are selected through a random lottery due to the high number of applicants.
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When will SYEP 2026 start?
SYEP 2026 provides 6 weeks of paid work experience during July and August.
What are the jobs in SYPE 2026?
SYEP applicants can avail employment in the following sectors
Architecture and Engineering
Art, design, entertainment, sports and media
Cleaning and maintenance of buildings and grounds
Business and financial operations
Community and social services
Computer and Mathematical
Educational instruction and library
Food preparation and service
Life, physical and social sciences
Office and administrative support
Personal care and service
Sales and related occupations
Transportation and moving of material
How much does SYEP pay?
Those selected under the SYEP can work up to 25 hours per week, for a total of 150 hours over 6 weeks. Youth ages 16-24 can earn $16.50 an hour for up to 25 hours per week, for a total of up to $2,475 per summer. 14-15 year olds can participate in paid project activities to explore career paths and can earn up to $700.
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Benefit for employers
SYEP allows NYC businesses to hire and nurture the next generation of their workforce at no additional cost because participants are paid directly by the city, not those who employ them.
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Who can hire SYEP participants?
Employers, large and small, can participate in SYEP. Jobs and internships can take place across the five boroughs or remotely. Employers in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut tristate area may be approved to host SYEP participants if they can support young people with transportation.
History of SYEP
The NYC Summer Youth Employment Program began in 1963, and for six decades, the program has served more than 100,000 city youth each year to better prepare them for their future careers.
Although originally created to provide summer jobs primarily for black and Latino youth to reduce crime, over the decades its scope has expanded and SYEP has become the largest urban youth employment initiative in the US.
Key things
- SYEP has served youth in New York City since 1963 and has grown into the largest youth employment program in the US
- Participants aged 16-24 can earn $16.50/hour, while younger participants can participate in project activities.
- The application process is competitive and a random lottery is used to select candidates.
