Summer Youth Employment Program FAQs

Y.O.U. Summer Jobs Eligibility Requirements

Click here for a pdf version of the required documents list.

Who can participate in the Y.O.U. Summer Youth Employment Program?

To participate, students must meet all of the following requirements: 

  • Live in Cuyahoga County 

  • Be between 14–18 years old and currently enrolled in high school at the time of application 

  • Be at least 14 years old by June 6th 

  • If you are 14: You must be a rising 9th grader 

  • If you are 14 or 15: You must submit a Work Permit from your school 

  • If you are 18 and still in high school: You must provide proof of enrollment (current report card or school registration) 

  • If you are an 18-year-old male: You must be registered with Selective Service 

  • 1.Proof of Family income –- See chart below for income guidelines.

    • If Parent/Guardian works: 2 most recent pay stubs, or W2 from 2025

    • If you receive: Worker’s compensation, Social Security benefits or unemployment benefits, you will need the award letter

    2. Proof of Identity and Residence for the parent/guardian

    • Parent/guardian current valid State Issued photo ID, Driver’s License, or Passport.

    • Proof of current residency in Cuyahoga County 

    • If your current residence is not listed on your Photo ID, you must provide:

      • Utility bill, government agency letter (Snap Award letter, TANF Household benefit letter, School record or letter from school) that is less than 60 days old at time of your appointment, or a lease agreement.

    • Parent/guardian Social Security Card

    3.   Documents required for the teen (who will be working in the program) – ALL following documents are required:

    • Your child’s current photo ID – the following can be accepted:

      • 14 – 17 years old: School ID, School Report Card with clear photo, Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, or City Rec ID

      • 18 years old: current valid state issued ID: Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport

      • Photo ID must not be expired. School IDs must be from the current school year.

      • Ohioans who are 16 years and younger can receive an ID card at the Ohio BMV at no cost. For Ohioans who are 17 and older, an ID card will cost $10.00

    4. Proof of Relationship between parent/guardian and child

    • Birth certificate with parent name and your child’s name OR

    • School records listing current guardian OR

    • Current custody papers OR

    • A notarized letter detailing who the parent/guardian is

    • If child is 18 years old: Copy of their current report card, letter from school or current year registration record.

    5.   Required documents for other family members: At times, we need to add other family members who live in your household to the application to determine eligibility. Because of this, you should plan to bring the following for other household members:

    • Additional minors in the household Birth Certificate

    • Additional child’s Social Security number (just number, not actual card)

    • Other Adults in your household (i.e., adult children, partner, spouse, other adult relatives) : If other adults works: 2 most recent pay stubs or W2 from 2025

    • Social Security number (just number, not actual card)

  • Yes! You can work for Y.O.U. as long as you can provide the following documents: 

    For the youth participant:

    • Valid Photo ID, passport, birth certificate, or copy of birth records from country of origin

    • Social Security card

    • Proof of address

    For the parent/guardian:

    • Valid Photo ID

    • Proof of relationship to the youth (school records or birth records) 

    • Proof of address

    With these documents, non-U.S. citizens are eligible to participate in the program. 

    • If you will be turning 14 before May 30th, you can still apply for SYEP.  

    • If you turn 14 on or after May 30th, you are not eligible for SYEP this year.  

    • If you were born in Ohio, to get a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the Cuyahoga County Bureau of Vital Statistics.

      • Address: Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave, Room 122

      • Phone: (216) 664-2324

    • The cost for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $25.

    • Visit the Bureau’s Website for more details.

    • There may be other ways to prove relationship between you and your parent/guardian and to verify your age.

      • Other examples of Proof of Relationship:

        • Court Custody Document showing guardianship

        • School Record showing guardianship

        • Medical Record showing guardianship

        • Government Letter listing household members

      • Other examples of age verification:

        • School Record

        • Medical Record

        • Government Letter

What are the income requirements for eligibility?

  • Most of our funding (about 75% or more) is reserved for families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (Stay tuned for the 202) 

  • Each year, we may have additional funding for families who are above the income threshold. If you or your parent/guardian are invited to the intake step, you should still attend the Intake Appointment. 

    • Youth attendance is not required as long as a parent or guardian can attend the appointment. Youth applicants are encouraged to stay in school. 

    • The parent/guardian should bring the youth’s required documents to the appointment. 

    • If the youth needs their School ID during the day, a legible photocopy is acceptable, as long as the participant can be clearly seen in the photo. 

    • You can use the link within the original email to reschedule to a date/time that works better.

    • You can also call our Call Center at 216-776-3900 and request they reschedule.

    • A parent/guardian must attend the scheduled Intake Apppointment. Youth do not need to attend.

    • The Intake Appointment cannot be completed online and must be completed in-person.

    • All required documents and forms should be submitted in person during the Intake Appointment. 

    • Only one parent/guardian is required to complete the appointment.

    • The parent who you will be living with during the summer (i.e., the period you are working) should complete the Intake Appointment.

    • Only a parent, step-parent or other authorized legal guardian is able to attend the appointment.

      • If are temporarily living with an authorized legal guardian you must provide proof of guardianship such as a court order or school record indicating named guardianship, or a notarized statement from parent.

    • If a step-parent can prove their relationship to you (via notarized letter, marriage license or birth certificate) and prove you reside in the same household, they can attend the appointment.

    • If the adult attending the appointment is listed as a guardian on any official documentation (government letters, school records) that will suffice for proof of relationship and they can attend the appointment.

    • Yes, a foster parent can attend if they provide proof of the foster relationship and authorization to sign permissions on your behalf. They must also bring all required documents, including proof of income. 

    • In many cases, it is more efficient for the JFS Case Worker to attend the intake appointment. They can often provide a letter from Cuyahoga County that confirms funding eligibility, so household eligibility does not need to be determined again. 

    • Your foster parent should consult with the JFS Case Worker to decide who will attend the appointment.  

    • Unfortunately, without these required documents, Y.O.U. cannot complete your enrollment.

    • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must attend to sign consents and permissions. Without their attendance, Y.O.U. cannot enroll you. 

    • If you are 18 and still in high school, speak with SYEP management at your intake appointment to discuss possible options. 

How can I get more information?

  • If you have questions regarding our Summer Youth Employment Program or need assistance, please contact the Call Center at 216-776-3900. Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM