grants, training, information, and supports for success in today’s economy

For general questions about Youth Services or program eligibility:

Henrene Brown, Youth Career Services Specialist

Email Henrene or call (585) 258-3500 ext. 3552

For questions about the Youth Navigator program or to schedule an appointment:

Yolanda Cubero, Youth Career Services Navigator

Email Yolanda or call (585) 258-3500 ext 6040

Aja Love, Youth Career Services Navigator

Email Aja or call (585) 258-3500 ext 7521

• Resource Room with computers, printers, copier, fax machine, phone, and accessible technology
• On demand e-learning courses
• Individualized skills and career interest assessments
• Live workshops
• Job Search and Career reference library

Use our Youth Navigator Screening Survey to start the process. A RochesterWorks team member will follow-up on your submission within 2 - 3 business days. 

Teens and young adults ages 17 to 24 who are not currently enrolled in school are eligible for Youth Services if any of the following apply:

• English Language Learner*
• Homeless / Runaway
• Foster Care
• Pregnant or Parenting
• Justice-Involved
• Physical, Mental, or Learning Disability
• No High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Basic Skills Deficient based on a TABE or other skills assessment*

*You must also have a household income at or below the 200% poverty guidelines based on your household size.

• High School Equivalency / TASC
• Occupational Skills Training
• Leadership Development
• Financial Literacy Education
• Entrepreneurship & Small Business Skills Training
• 6-8 weeks of paid work experience through the Youth Employment Program (YEP)
• Tailored Workforce Preparation
• Transportation Assistance – Up to $550 in RTS bus passes and/or gas cards
• Up to $300 in work readiness assistance for work uniforms, work attire, work-related tools, educational testing, employment or training-related applications, tests, and certifications, etc.
• Referrals for up to $300 in childcare dollars from the Strengthening Working Families Initiative (SWFI)
• Follow-Up services for one year after program completion, tailored to your needs
• Counseling services such as Mental Health or Mentoring through our partner referral network
• Funding up to $5,000 for a post-secondary degree or certification in a demand occupation, including the Sharp Edgez Barbering program

Youth Navigator services are provided to out of school youth, age 17 – 24, by a collaborative network of 19 staff members across six community-based, faith-based, government, and other nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Rochester area. Each Navigator and their partner agency collaborate to provide supportive services. Some of our current partners include Monroe 2—Orleans BOCES, Refugees Helping Refugees, Starbridge Services, The Center for Youth Services, The Community Place of Greater Rochester, and Urban League of Rochester.

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a government-funded program, operated by RochesterWorks in collaboration with the City of Rochester’s Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP), which provides youth with six weeks of paid work experience through work sites and programs all across Monroe County.

The After School Youth Employment Program (ROC YOUR JOB) is a government-funded program, operated by RochesterWorks, which provides youth with paid work experience after school during the school year through work sites and programs all across Monroe County.

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is available to teens and young adults who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Between the ages of 14-20 years old on May 31 of the current year
• Currently enrolled in middle or high school or a TASC (GED) program
• Not a college student
• Meet the income requirement*  (*County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet 200% of the current year's poverty guidelines to be eligible.)
• Live within Monroe County
  
  

The After School Youth Employment Program (ROC YOUR JOB) is available to teens and young adults who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Between the ages of 14-20 years old on May 31 of the current year
• Currently enrolled in middle or high school or a TASC (GED) program
• Not a college student
• Meet the income requirement*  (*County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet 200% of the current year's poverty guidelines to be eligible.)
• Live within Monroe County

What Jobs are Available?
Each eligible youth’s job will be dependent on their age and eligibility (among other factors). All students will be interviewing and competing for the positions available. Youth who are offered employment through these programs will work in recreation centers, community-based organizations, colleges, or private and public organizations throughout the community. View a list of programs and worksites from previous years here.

Can I apply even though I don’t have an updated Work Permit?
Yes. The first step is to complete the online application.  If the applicant does not have a work permit, they must upload all other required documents. The Youth Employment Team will place the file on hold until the work permit is received.  Once the applicant submits the work permit, their file will be reviewed based on where we are in the approval process.
A current Work Permit will be required prior to job placement. No exceptions!
Note: You must have an updated physical in order to get a work permit, so please apply early.

Can I apply even if I am going to summer school/TASC (GED)?
Yes, but available working hours/opportunities may be limited.

Should I apply even if I don’t have 90% attendance at my school or program? 
Yes, however, employers know that a student’s school attendance is an indication of your attendance on the job. Make every effort to attend school every day!

Can I apply if I am not in middle school, high school, or a TASC/GED program (i.e. I am a college student)?
No. The After School Employment Program and the Summer Youth Employment Program are not open to college students. 

Are there any income guidelines/requirements?
Youth employment positions for both programs are funded through a variety of sources. Dependent upon the requirements attached to these sources we may require income and/or residency verification (i.e. address, public assistance, free/reduced lunch, foster care, and family income at or below the 200% poverty guidelines). It is extremely important that all necessary income information is noted on the parent signature page in order to match the youth with the appropriate opportunity. Incomplete applications will be considered as over-income guidelines.

Why do I have to provide my financial information?
A portion of the programs is publicly funded and requires supporting documentation. In most cases in order for a youth to participate, confirmation that household income meets the eligibility guidelines is required. Under these guidelines, everyone working in the home must be noted on the income section of the parent signature page. It is not necessary to bring proof of income with the required documentation. If there are questions, you may be required to submit proof of income at a later date.

If you're interested in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and would like to apply or learn more, you can find details on the application process, timeline, required documents, and more at https://rocsummeryouth.com.

If you're interested in After School Youth Employment Program (ROC YOUR JOB) and would like to apply or learn more, you can find details on the application process, timeline, required documents, and more at https://rocyourjob.com.