AGENCY TESTIMONY
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in the cultural sector
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Commissioner Cumbo discusses the importance of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in providing opportunities for young people in the arts and cultural sector. The Adams administration has significantly expanded the program, reaching 100,000 positions last year.
- SYEP placements in arts and cultural industries grew by nearly 28% in 2023
- Over 3,000 participants were placed in related industries including media, entertainment, and tourism
- Cultural Institutions Group members hosted nearly 400 SYEP participants
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island is highlighted as a leader, hosting nearly 50 SYEP participants last year
Laurie Cumbo
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One very important way that we have really focused on developing is that is through the Adams administration, is the city's summer youth employment program.
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This is a rite of passage for so many of our city's young people.
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I know I had a summer youth employment job at Prospect Park and at the Carousel, and everyone who grew up here has a fond SYEP memory they're willing to share.
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Mayor Adams committed to providing an astounding 100,000 summer youth employment positions last year, an ambitious goal that we met.
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And I am so proud of our close collaboration with DYCD to get more cultural organizations involved in SYEP worksites.
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In fact, summer youth employment opportunity placements in the arts and cultural industry grew by nearly 28% over summer youth employment in 2023.
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More than 3,000 participants were also placed in related industries, including media, entertainment, and tourism, including museums, production companies, and television streaming services.
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Members of the cultural institutions group also hosted nearly 400 summer youth employment participants.
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One leader in this regard is Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island, which hosted nearly 50 summer youth employment participants last year alone.
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At Snug Harbor, you'll meet SYEP graduates at every level of the organization because they know that this program is a powerful way to tap into New York City's greatest resource, our young people.
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Through SYEP, New York City's young people get exposure to jobs and cultural organizations and across all sectors.
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And these organizations in turn get access to a remarkable pool of talent.
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The application period to serve as an SYEP worksite this summer is now open.
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So to all the cultural groups listening, visit nyc.govforward/syep to learn more and to apply.
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And to all the young people who are watching, this is an incredible opportunity for you to participate in.
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Make sure that you apply.