Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program, marking a fifth consecutive summer offering 100,000 jobs and paid opportunities for young people ages 14 to 24.
Applications can be submitted online or through participating community-based organizations at nyc.gov/syep through Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Employers interested in hosting SYEP participants can also apply to become worksites and provide paid work experiences.
“Young New Yorkers hear ‘no’ far too often—and not nearly enough about what is possible. It’s time for a different perspective,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “If you’re between 14 and 24, you can apply for a paid job that builds real skills, real confidence, and real opportunity. This is about investing in our young people and trusting them to lead."
The Department of Youth and Community Development highlighted that this is the earliest application launch in the program’s history and described SYEP as the nation’s largest youth workforce initiative. The program offers more than summer employment, helping young people earn their first paychecks, learn financial skills and develop professional experience that can shape future careers, officials said.
“Summer might be months away, but your journey toward greatness begins today!" said DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard.
SYEP runs for six weeks during July and August. Participants engage in paid work and structured learning experiences that support professional, social, civic and leadership development. Youth ages 14 and 15 receive a stipend, while participants ages 16 to 24 earn the prevailing minimum wage.
During the previous summer, SYEP participants worked at thousands of sites across New York City in fields including business and finance, fashion, philanthropy, technology, arts and culture, engineering and construction, healthcare, legal services, real estate, transportation, advertising and marketing, hospitality and tourism, media and entertainment and retail.
The program also provides targeted support for thousands of young people who are at the highest risk of gun violence, live in NYCHA housing, have disabilities, or are justice-involved, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care.
Program updates will be shared on the SYEP website and social media channels. Assistance with applications is available through DYCD Community Connect at 1-800-246-4646.
