EDC reports SYEP growth; council seeks sustainability plan

EDC staff updated the joint meeting on the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), telling council members the program has grown from 20 interns in its first year to roughly 60 internship placements this year, with about 45 participating businesses. Staff said several employers have already matched the EDC’s dollars and that some interns have been hired by host businesses.

Council members raised sustainability concerns: one councilmember suggested multi-year business commitments so interns could transition into jobs; staff and board members said mandating hires is difficult because interns may not be ready for full-time employment or may pursue college after the internship year. "Several of the businesses have already matched our dollars," a staff member said, noting early successes and promising placement outcomes. Staff said a final program report and success metrics will be presented once the internship year concludes.

Council asked staff to explore corporate partners and longer-term models that would reduce reliance on EDC funding and to bring back data on outcomes and hire rates at the program’s conclusion.