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Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)Growing Our Local Economy
"Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma, and yet just over half of our citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation, and half of the students who begin college never finish... So tonight I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This can be a community college or a four-year school, vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma." The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE) are working together to assist the youth of Santa Cruz County in meeting President Obama’s challenge through the expeditious implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Workforce Investment funds for youth. For over 8 years the WIB, SCCOE, local school districts and various other community agencies have partnered to provide essential employability, career development and post-secondary education/training opportunities to Santa Cruz County youth.
“The summer youth employment program is a terrific opportunity for young people to receive meaningful work, and life experience, while contributing to the community, earning income, and potentially even being exposed to a possible career pathway. Employers receive the benefits of entry-level workers, while not increasing their payroll, and they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are too, contributing something valuable to the greater community. I challenge employers to get involved and hire at least one young person for the summer.”  “The Workforce Investment Board is very excited to bring back the summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) to Santa Cruz County. WIA Youth Services of the County Office of Education (COE) will operate the summer youth employment program. We anticipate that many young people will benefit from working, the experience, the pay !!!, and the mentoring in job skills and life skills. This is a great opportunity for our business community to help our young people work and learn. We encourage business and public agencies to call the COE Youth Program and agree to mentor and train a fully paid young person (age 14-24) this summer.” The SYEP is funded by the federal stimulus ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds coming to the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Santa Cruz County. For information on employment and training services for job seekers and laid-off workers visit the Career Center.
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