For decades, the federal government funded subsidized summer jobs for disadvantaged youth. But since 2000, when the Workforce Investment Act took effect, a program that once put hundreds of youth to work in the summers alone now serves half as many year-round.

When youth explore careers through hands-on experience and learn about all other options for post-secondary training (including apprenticeships and community colleges), they make more positive choices for their futures.

Working youth don't just earn a paycheck. Work experience motivates young people to finish high school, continue their education and get on a path toward a lifetime of self-sufficiency.

• Teens who work while in high school are more likely to graduate.
• Pregnancy rates for teens are lower in metropolitan areas where employment rates for teen girls are higher.
• Early work experience significantly increases future earnings.

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and Extension

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides employers with interns and entry-level employees. Youth work between 15 and 40 hours per week for 6-12 weeks with the goal of building on their individual strengths and incorporating youth development principles. These principles include engaging the talents and interests of youth, developing their skills and competencies, and providing positive adult role models.

Worksites

If you are interested in having youth work at your business/agency this summer, you will agree to:

• Provide productive and meaningful work assignments.
• Provide training and supervision.
• Communicate regularly with the summer staff person assigned to your business to ensure that accurate compensation is made for hours worked.
• Evaluate your participants and provide adequate feedback and mentoring.
• Wages will be paid by an authorized agent of KCDEE through American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds.

To be eligible, an employer must be in Kane, DeKalb or Kendall counties with an equal employment philosophy and written statement. Worksites selected will need to be ADA compliant. Employers must agree to abide by the Child Labor Law. All supervisors will be required to attend supervisor training. Worksites selected will be required to sign a worksite agreement.

Worksites may be non-for-profit agencies, private for-profit business, and public sector locations. Recovery Act worksite positions must not unfavorably impact current employees at the company nor impair existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements.

For more information about becoming a worksite
Contact Renata Robinson at 630-966-1435 x 40078 or FAX at 630-966-1172
or by email at
or Access the application to reserve your location or positions to be a worksite HERE.