The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is now accepting applications for its Learn and Earn: Pathways program, which provides young people ages 16 to 24 with job skills, career exploration, and paid opportunities to prepare for meaningful, well-paying careers. Applications are due by this Friday, December 20, 2024.
Designed for youth from income-qualifying households and communities experiencing disparities, SYEP focuses on helping participants gain access to the tools, experience, and connections they need to succeed in the workforce. The program, offered year-round by the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), includes two major components: Foundations and Pathways.
Foundations helps participants who are new to the workforce build essential skills, including career planning, networking, and resume and cover letter preparation. Participants earn a monthly stipend as they complete workshops and career readiness activities.
Pathways are tailored for youth and young adults who have a specific career sector in mind. This advanced track includes hands-on job readiness workshops led by industry experts, job shadowing opportunities, and interviews with professionals in the participants’ chosen fields.
Starting in January 2025, SYEP will offer three Pathways tracks for participants to pursue:
• Nursing Pathway: Designed for young adults ages 18 and older interested in nursing, this pathway provides hands-on experience at Swedish Medical Center on First Hill. Participants can earn up to $1,500 while preparing for the Nursing Assistant Certification (NA-C) exam.
• Software Development Pathway: For youth interested in coding, website creation, and tech-related skills, this virtual beginner-friendly program is offered in partnership with Computing for All. Participants can earn up to $600 upon completion.
• General Pathway: For participants pursuing a specific career field, this pathway provides technical training, career development workshops, job shadowing, and informational interviews. Participants can earn up to $425 while working with counselors to refine their portfolios, including resumes and cover letters.
The Learn and Earn program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.
“I think SYEP is going very well! I find this a comfortable and enjoyable space where I can learn while having fun,” shared Michelle. Another participant, Arianne, said, “What is going well for me in SYEP is the content we learn in the workshops appl[ies] to my school life. I find myself using the tools given to us in SYEP [at school].” A third participant added, “Everything in the program is great, but what I like most is how we are not just taught about the skills we learn, but also how to achieve and apply them.”
To qualify for the program, applicants must:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 24 at the start of the program in January 2025;
• Live within Seattle city limits or attend a Seattle Public School or Seattle College; and
• Have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income for Seattle/King County.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024. Interested applicants can learn more and apply by visiting www.seattle.gov/SYEP.