Youth services
About The Program
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. Both summer programs can be applied for through the NEW ROC Youth Employment Network website and supporting application portal. Applications for summer 2026 are no longer being accepted as of April 17th at 5pm. Applications for summer 2027 will be accepted beginning February 2027.
The Facts
- Open to Rochester and Monroe County youth ages of 14-20.
- Youth must be currently enrolled in middle school, high school or a TASC (GED) program. College students are not eligible.
- Applications will be accepted February 9, 2026 until April 17, 2026.
- Eligible youth apply for the program and are matched with an employer that meets their interests.
- Once positions are filled applicants will be placed on the waitlist and contacted pending any openings.
- Program will run for a six weeks during the summer. Youth must be available to participate between July 13-August 21, 2026.
- County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet 200% of the 2025-2026 Poverty Guidelines to be eligible.
Youth services
Application Info
The Application for the ROC Youth Employment Network Summer 2026 Programming is CLOSED as of April 17, 2026 at 5pm. Applicants will be notified of their status in late-April to early May.
Find Additional Youth Services
Our Youth Career Center location serves youth ages 14-24 as a comprehensive service center. This is the headquarters for RochesterWorks youth programming.
Young adults ages 14-20 earn a paycheck during the school year and learn about exciting career opportunities that await you!
Teens and young adults who are enrolled in grades 9-12 at either Edison Career & Technology High School or Joseph C. Wilson High School are currently eligible.
Free services for teens and young adults ages 17 to 24 in Rochester and Monroe County who are not currently enrolled in school.
