Orange County Offers Summer Jobs to Teens, Young Adults

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus announced the return of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), an initiative that has been serving local teenagers and young adults for over 30 years. This federally funded program, supported by the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) grant, provides paid employment opportunities for youth aged 14 to 20 at various businesses and nonprofit organizations across the county.

Funded primarily by a Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) grant, SYEP aims to provide young people with valuable job experience, skill development, and mentorship opportunities. “Participating in the SYEP is an essential step in empowering our youth and shaping a brighter future for Orange County,” said Neuhaus.

Last year, the program placed 400 out of 500 applicants in positions at businesses such as the City of Newburgh Boys and Girls Club, Blended Smoothie and Salad Bar, and Montefiore St. Luke’s Hospital. The program engages youth, develops skills, and focuses on their future while contributing to community safety and well-being.

“We had the opportunity to work with motivated young individuals eager to learn and contribute to their community,” said Celines Rodriguez, City of Middletown Recreation Department. “Throughout the program, we witnessed significant growth in the participants as they developed skills, built confidence, and gained hands-on experience.”

Steve Knob, Director of Orange County’s Employment and Training Administration, calls the Summer Youth Employment Program one of the best programs his department runs. “This program provides employment opportunities and work experience for our emerging workforce, who are also most in need of these opportunities.”

The program runs throughout the summer, with participants gaining experience in various roles and developing essential skills like teamwork, communication, and responsibility. Karina Fabiano, Orange County Employment Services Youth Coordinator, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “SYEP has been incredibly successful in Orange County because it provides young people with more than just a job; it offers them the chance to build valuable skills, gain real-world experience, and create lasting connections with mentors and community leaders.”

Interested youth can find applications and more information on the Orange County website at OrangeCountygov.com/1449/Summer-Youth-Employment-Program-2025. The application deadline for youth is April 5th. Worksite applications are open until April 30th.