Summer Youth Employment Program FAQs

SYEP orientation is a four-hour session during which participants complete all required onboarding steps. Participants submit their work permits, complete tax paperwork, provide direct deposit information, and receive their job assignments. During orientation, participants also attend four breakout sessions where they learn about Y.O.U. employee expectations, basic financial literacy, how to clock in and out of the payroll system, and how to access support through the Resource and Support Specialist team. These sessions also introduce participants to the additional resources Y.O.U. offers beyond the work experience.

Y.O.U. partners with financial institutions, such as Bank of America, to assist participants with opening a bank account when applicable (some restrictions may apply). Participants who are required to complete background checks or fingerprinting will also do so during orientation.

Youth must attend a scheduled Orientation session in June. (Parent/guardian do not need to attend)

• Participants will need to bring their Photo ID and Social security card to Orientation in order to fill out their tax forms.  

• If you do not bring documentation to complete I-9 Employment Verification your orientation will be rescheduled.  

• If under age 16 you must present a Work Permit. If you turn 16 by June 6th, you do not need a work permit.

• If you are 18 or 19 and a male, must present Selective Service verification 

It is ONLY upon the completion of these steps that you are fully accepted into the Y.O.U. Summer Youth Employment Program and considered to be hired.

• If you do not report to work on your first day and have not properly notified your site supervisor and your Job Coach, you are not hired by Y.O.U.

• If you are selected to participate you MUST have a social security card to continue with enrollment.

• Getting a new social security card is free.

  • Go to https://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/

    • The website has instructions and the application to request a new social security card.

    • It takes more than 2 weeks to receive a new card once you submit the application.

    • If you need a new card, request one today.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled orientation, you may reschedule up until the final day of orientation. Orientation is held during the first week of June each year. Participants who do not attend SYEP orientation during this week will not be eligible to participate in the summer program, as orientation is when all required employment information is collected and distributed.

In many cases, we are unable to accommodate orientation make-up sessions, even for planned vacations. It is essential that participants attend orientation as scheduled in order to be eligible for the program.

• Yes. The availability of additional jobs and/or funding often happens quickly. To ensure that you are ready for work at a moment’s notice, you must complete your scheduled orientation.