Alexandria Youth Learn Work Skills Through Summer Youth Employment Program

Page updated on August 14, 2024 at 4:09 PM
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SYEP Participants stand on stage at ceremony.
SYEP participants on stage during the closing ceremony.

The City of Alexandria’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) celebrated a successful season at its closing ceremony on Friday, August 9. The program saw 256 Alexandrians aged 14-21 participate in paid work experience and learn skills to prepare for the job market. Program participants, business partners, and City leaders attended the closing ceremony. 

The SYEP, managed by the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS)’s Workforce Development Center (WDC), provides youth the opportunity to work at businesses around the city. This year, 90 businesses registered to host students, spanning industries from healthcare to automotive, finance to education. Participants attended workshops and webinars and completed virtual learning modules on topics including financial literacy and mental health in the workplace. 

A speaker during the SYEP ceremony.
Hosai Rasuli speaks at the SYEP closing ceremony.

“I learned how to present people new information about things happening in Alexandria from years and even decades ago,” said Alexandria City High School student Joel Gojela. “I felt that I had a good role in helping to improve, and for me to get closer to, the Alexandria community.” 

In addition to the businesses that employed program participants, AT&T and Comcast once again showed extra support to participants. AT&T’s generous contribution allowed five additional youth to join this year’s program, expanding SYEP’s reach and impact. Comcast’s donation of laptops to participating youth significantly enhances their digital skills, better preparing them for the workforce. 

For more information about the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program, please visit the SYEP webpage. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Katie Bishop at katie.bishop@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3961, Virginia Relay 711.  

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available.  Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.