How does Summer Youth Employment Program work?

The 2026 SYEP application is open. Apply by February 27, 2026 to work this summer. What you’ll do: Work on a project for 12.5 hours per week for six weeks Build work-readiness and leadership skills Earn up to $700 There’s no cost to apply or participate, but you’re responsible for your own transportation and meals. Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Am I eligible for Summer Youth Employment Program?

You’re eligible if you: Live in New York City Are 14-24 years old

How do I Apply to Summer Youth Employment Program?

What you’ll need to apply (ages 16-24) (Note: You only need one of each document type. Some documents work for multiple categories.) Photo ID (your school ID, IDNYC card, or driver’s license all work) Proof of age (if your photo ID doesn’t show your birth date) Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or official mail from the government or your school) Social Security card A report card, school transcript, passport, or another document showing that you’re allowed to work in the US If applicable: Proof of disability (an official letter from your doctor or an agency) Selective Service registration (for men ages 18 or older) Green Working Paper Card (for 16-17 year-olds) What you’ll need to apply (ages 14-15) Photo ID Proof of age Proof of current address Social Security card Proof of disability (if applicable)

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

How it works

If you’re 14-24 years old and live in NYC, you can get a paid summer job and explore career opportunities when school’s out

The 2026 SYEP application is open.

Apply by February 27, 2026 to work this summer.

What you’ll do:

Work on a project for 12.5 hours per week for six weeks
Build work-readiness and leadership skills
Earn up to $700

There’s no cost to apply or participate, but you’re responsible for your own transportation and meals. Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility requirements

You’re eligible if you:

Live in New York City
Are 14-24 years old

How to apply

What you’ll need to apply (ages 16-24)

(Note: You only need one of each document type. Some documents work for multiple categories.)

Photo ID (your school ID, IDNYC card, or driver’s license all work)
Proof of age (if your photo ID doesn’t show your birth date)
Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or official mail from the government or your school)
Social Security card
A report card, school transcript, passport, or another document showing that you’re allowed to work in the US

If applicable:

Proof of disability (an official letter from your doctor or an agency)
Selective Service registration (for men ages 18 or older)
Green Working Paper Card (for 16-17 year-olds)

What you’ll need to apply (ages 14-15)

Photo ID
Proof of age
Proof of current address
Social Security card
Proof of disability (if applicable)

Apply

Get help

Visit the SYEP website

See more summer opportunities from the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)

Call DYCD Community Connect

Call 800-246-4646 for more information

Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.

Last Updated January 23, 2026

Get help now

Paid summer work experiences for ages 14–24