SYEP Overview
Applications are now open and will be processed in the order they are received until all positions are filled.
This program is not only an opportunity to get paid gaining work experience, but to explore different career options, and build skills that will assist you beyond the workplace—all while making valuable connections. SYEP will connect you with work experience that will help you grow professionally and personally. Whether you’re eager to try something new, discover your passions, or simply learn what it takes to succeed, this is an opportunity to get real-world experience in a failure-free space. We are committed to shaping your experience today, for impact tomorrow.
The 2025 program will run from Monday, June 30 through Friday, August 8, 2025. Ready to get started? Join us this summer to build people skills, discover new career tracks, gain hands-on experience, and play an important role in empowering your community. We look forward to connecting with you!
The Summer Youth Employment Program:
- Will run from Monday, June 30 to Friday, August 8, 2025
- Provides career development, education, and summer income in the amount of $12.41 per hour
- Is designed for Alexandria residents ages 14-21
- Is a six-week program that allows youth to work between 20-30 hours per week
Important Dates
2024 | |
| Monday, December 9 | Application Launch |
| Monday, December 16 | Youth Lunch Information Session at ACHS King Street Campus, College and Career Center (Noon - 2 p.m.) |
| Thursday, December 19 | Youth Lunch Information Session at ACHS Minnie Howard Campus, College and Career Center (Noon - 2 p.m.) |
| Monday, December 30 | Youth & Family Information Session via Zoom (Register on Eventbrite) |
2025 | |
| Friday, January 30 | Application Deadline |
| March - April | Interviews |
| Monday April 14 - Friday, April 18 | Spring Break |
| Monday, June 30, & Thursday, July 3 | Career Launchpad/Youth Orientation |
| Monday, July 7 | Work Experience Begins |
| August | Closing Ceremony |
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Youth between the ages of 14 - 21 enrolled in middle or high school
- City of Alexandria resident
- Receive SNAP, Medicaid, TANF benefits, or qualify for free or reduced lunch based on family size and income
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Youth who have an IEP at school are eligible regardless of receipt of benefits
**To be considered for program participation, applicants must meet items 1 through 4. Please note that individuals with disabilities are exempt from item 3, however, are still required to meet items 1, 2, and 4.**
What Documents Are Needed?
Currently, we are accepting the following documents to validate program eligibility
- Proof of City of Alexandria residency (i.e. school ID, Virginia ID, or report card that includes full name and address)
- Social Security Card, birth certificate, or proof of ability to work in the United States
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, learner’s permit, school ID, or VA identification card)
- If you are using an IEP for eligibility, a copy of the IEP will be requested
Program Requirements
- Complete and submit all forms and documents by the above-referenced application deadline
- Commit to the entire 6-week program including orientation, workshops, work experience and the Closing Ceremony
- Adhere to all program policies and procedures outlined in the SYEP Participant Handbook
How to Apply
To begin your application process for the Summer Youth Employment Program, please take a moment to review the program details and qualifications. Applications can be submitted either online or in person. Starting December 9, 2024, the application link will be accessible on our website under this 'How to Apply' section.
For those preferring in-person applications, please reach out to DCHSSummerYouth@alexandriava.gov to schedule an application appointment.
Youth Application Translation Guides
Please click on one of the translated application guides in Amharic, Dari, or Spanish to use along side of the Youth Application for support! If you need assistance to complete the application, please contact DCHSSummerYouth@alexandriava.gov.
2025 SYEP - Youth Applicant Link
For Businesses
Join the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program as a Dedicated Business!
Partner with Us in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
The Workforce Development Center is excited to invite your business to participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a unique opportunity to help shape the future workforce while providing valuable experiences that foster a sense of purpose and intention for the youth in our community.
By hosting youth participants, your organization will play a key role in offering them the chance to explore diverse career paths, development of their career readiness, and build meaningful connections within your industry and our community—all while learning in a “failure-free” space. The SYEP helps young people gain practical, real-world experience in a supportive environment, encouraging growth both professionally and personally.
Our diverse participants arrive at your worksite eagerly, knowledgeable, and determined to give their work experience their all.
This program is committed to empowering today’s youth with your help. By contributing to the future success of our community, we are investing in the next generation of talent in the City of Alexandria.
Employer Application - Apply now!
Employer Benefits
When investing in the youth of Alexandria, employers are doing more than just providing them with a summer job. Employers benefit from participation in SYEP in several ways:
- 90% stated that SYEP has helped them gain a better understanding of career choices and/or education options for the future
- 95% stated that SYEP has better prepared them for the future
- Providing meaningful jobs in Alexandria will help them see the great opportunities we have to offer and keep our great talent here
- Employers are provided a Youth Advisor for additional support to both the participant and the supervisor
Employer Role
- Provide meaningful work experience and mentorship to participating youth
- Assign a mentor or supervisor to guide and support youth participants during their work experience, which will contribute to the occupational development and upward mobility of the participant
- Notify the Youth Advisor of issues/problems immediately
- Participate in youth award nominations and attend the Closing Ceremony
- Complete/sign evaluation and serve as a work experience reference
Employer Testimonials
