New York City youth employment program faces cuts impacting underrepresented youth

The Manhattan Community Board 2 Schools & Education Committee meeting on March 17, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding summer school and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) amid ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A significant discussion point was the uncertainty regarding summer school. Committee members expressed mixed opinions on whether to hold summer classes, with some advocating for it while others raised concerns about the feasibility of social distancing in classrooms, particularly for younger students. The Department of Education (DOE) has not yet outlined plans for returning to in-person learning, leaving many educators and parents anxious about the future.

Another major topic was the recent cut of the SYEP, a program that has provided summer jobs for 75,000 youth aged 14 to 24 since 1963. The program was eliminated due to concerns over social distancing, rather than financial constraints. This decision disproportionately affects underrepresented youth, including those from low-income backgrounds and marginalized communities. Committee members highlighted the importance of finding alternative ways to engage these young people, such as virtual job training and remote internships.

Participants discussed the potential for restructuring the SYEP to include remote work opportunities, emphasizing the need for safe, structured activities for youth during the summer months. Concerns were raised about the mental health implications of keeping young people indoors without productive outlets. The committee underscored the necessity of providing meaningful engagement to prevent negative outcomes for youth during this challenging time.

The meeting concluded with a call for advocacy to reinstate the SYEP and ensure that all young people have access to summer opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. The committee plans to continue discussions on these pressing issues in future meetings, aiming to develop comprehensive solutions that address both educational and employment needs for the community's youth.