If you’ve got teens or young adults thinking about how to make summer meaningful (and get paid for it), the Summer Youth Employment Program, also known as SYEP, is officially open for applications. SYEP is New York City’s largest summer jobs and career exploration program for young people ages 14–24. Applications are now open online at application.nycsyep.com and must be submitted by Tuesday, February 27, 2026.
SYEP is more than just a summer job, it’s a paid experience designed to help young New Yorkers explore career interests, build workplace and life skills, learn real-world responsibilities, and earn money at the same time. Youth ages 14–15 participate in project-based learning, where they work on group assignments, learn leadership skills, and get introduced to workplace expectations. Participants ages 16–24 are placed in paid summer jobs across a wide range of industries throughout New York City.
To be eligible for SYEP in 2026, applicants must:
- Be between 14 and 24 years old
- Live in one of New York City’s five boroughs
- Be legally allowed to work in New York City
The program is open to all young people who meet these basic requirements, regardless of background.
How to Apply
- Visit application.nycsyep.com
- Click “Apply Now” and log in or create an NYC.ID account
- Complete and submit the online application by February 27, 2026
After applications close, eligible applicants are entered into a lottery that helps determine placement in the program. There is no cost to apply, and each person may submit only one application. Learn more.