Youth Employment (Ages 14-24)

SYEP 2026 applications are now open! Apply by Friday, May 29th.

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a six-week paid opportunity for youth ages 14–20 to gain real-world work experience, build job skills, and explore career interests. Participants are placed at local worksites and take part in workshops that help develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills—preparing you for future success. For ages 14-20, with priority for TANF 200% households. Main work experience period: July 6, 2026 to August 14, 2026.

Apply for SYEP

The JobLink Program

  • JobLink is a year-round program for Tompkins County young people ages 14-24
  • You can work up to 480 hours at $15.32/hour and improve your employable skills in a supportive environment
  • Learn more about JobLink by watching our short info videos on YouTube
  • JobLink is funded federally under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)

JobLink Interest Survey

Application Process

  1. Young Adults and Teens seeking employment and training resources can complete the survey linked above
  2.  A JobLink staff member will contact you to go over your submission and enroll you in the program
  3.  Eligibility criteria for Tompkins Workforce NY youth programs is determined by WIOA federal guidelines
  4.  If you have questions about your eligibility, please email deiyouth@tompkins-co.org or call (607) 272-7570 ext. 129

Resources for Youth Workers & Worksite Supervisors

Helpful Links

Youth Employment Worksites

Become a Summer Youth Employment Worksite

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth workforce initiative, providing six weeks of paid work experience for youth ages 14–20. Participants arrive prepared with foundational workplace skills and are supported through structured learning and work-based experiences.

Hire local youth. Build your workforce. Make an impact. Businesses and organizations of all sizes encouraged to engage. Have a project that can be completed in 6 weeks? We would like to know about it.

Summer Youth Employment Worksite Application

Become a JobLink Worksite

The JobLink Program is seeking new partners to serve as Worksites for young people ages 14-24.

Some of our JobLink host worksites in 2023 have included:

  •  Green Star
  •  Southside Community Center
  •  Significant Elements
  •  Longview
  •  Cudlins Meat Market
  •  Envious Handbags
  •  The History Center
  •  and more!

Apply for your business or organization:

Connect

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