Department of Youth & Community Development311Search all NYC.gov websites
Become an Employer Partner
The deadline to apply to become an SYEP worksite is Friday, May 8, 2026.
What Is Workforce Connect?
The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) provides New York City youth and adults up to age 40 with paid work experiences, work readiness and occupational training, academic support, job placement services, and financial empowerment through a variety of programs.
Hiring young people through DYCD’s Workforce Connect programs offers employers the opportunity to tap into emerging talent and build a workforce that better reflects local communities, while reducing recruitment/onboarding costs and directly contributing to New York City’s economic development.
Companies and organizations large and small are invited to connect with DYCD’s Employer Engagement and Partnerships team by completing the interest form below.
See below to learn more about the various programs we offer for employers:
In-School Youth Programs
DYCD serves youth ages 14–24 through a range of In-School Youth (ISY) programs, including the flagship Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), along with additional work experiences and academic support offered year-round. These programs support youth and young adults who are entering the workforce for the first time and preparing for college. Young people rely on mentorship from employers large and small to help young people build the skills they need to thrive in the workplace and in higher education settings. Wages are paid by the City of New York, providing employers the chance to hire young people at no cost.
Select the dropdowns below to learn more about these programs.
Select an item below, or press the enter key on an item for more information.
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
The NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting New Yorkers ages 14 to 24 with a six-week paid work experience each summer. Employers can host SYEP participants for 150-hour jobs/internships at no cost to their organizations. Hiring young people through SYEP allows employers to connect with diverse and local talent. This helps employers to continue building a workforce that reflects our communities and allows companies and organizations large and small to engage as leaders with the next generation. SYEP participants explore career pathways, build workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that develop their social, civic, and leadership skills. By participating in structured projects and work-based opportunities, NYC youth are better prepared for careers of the future.
Ladders for Leaders
Ladders for Leaders, a component of SYEP, is a nationally recognized program that offers outstanding high school and college students the opportunity to participate in employer-paid professional summer internships with leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies in New York City. Employers may hire youth directly into their existing internship programs or design new opportunities for Ladders for Leaders participants. Employer-paid internships can run more than six weeks in length and for up to 40 hours per week.
Work, Learn, & Grow
Work, Learn, & Grow is an extension program of SYEP for high school students. Participants receive college readiness and workforce development training along with access to CUNY classes and afterschool internships that run from the winter to spring seasons
Learn & Earn
Learn & Earn serves high school juniors and seniors from select NYC public schools through a two-year program cycle. Participants receive academic and career readiness support, including CUNY coursework, before beginning their internship placements. These internships run from the spring through the summer, giving youth extended, meaningful exposure to real-world work experience while strengthening their college and career pathways.
Anti-Gun Violence Employment Program
Included in our year-round programming is the Anti-Gun Violence Employment Program for youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who are at risk of perpetuating or being victimized by gun violence. AGVEP participants work with local organizations under the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) on projects designed to contribute to social, educational, and professional growth.
Occupational Training Programs
DYCD also serves New Yorkers seeking to enter the workforce in in-demand sectors, ranging from construction and healthcare to media and technology. Through these occupational training programs, participants gain industry-recognized credentials and certifications, gain paid work experience through City-subsidized internships, and receive permanent job placements support and follow-up services. Occupational training programs also benefit employers by allowing them to save on labor costs during the internship period. We provide a cost-free opportunity to mentor interns and get to know potential future employees before making long-term hiring decisions.
Currently, DYCD runs occupational training programs in healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and culinary arts.
Select the dropdowns below to learn more about our occupational training programs in more detail.
Select an item below, or press the enter key on an item for more information.
Advance & Earn & Train & Earn
Advance & Earn & Train & Earn are centered on building career pathways for young adults ages 16-24 through educational and training components, along with paid work experience with employer partners. Participants in both programs are out-of-school and out-of-work. They receive academic support if they need to earn their High School Equivalency, then take part in occupational skills training to earn industry-recognized credentials. Employers host participants in short-term paid work experiences at no cost—wages are paid directly by the City of New York, with the goal of ending in unsubsidized permanent job placement with the employer or in a similar role within the industry at the end of the program.
Employers can apply to become an internship worksite for both programs through DiscoverWorkforce or reach out to a community-based organization directly through the provider directories below.
CRED-NYC
Community Resources for Employment and Development Program (CRED-NYC) provides occupational training and City-subsidized internships for justice-impacted New Yorkers and those from communities most impacted by gun violence. With the goal of long-term employment, CRED participants ages 18-40 receive training and paid work experience through employer partners in in-demand, emerging sectors for up to 24 weeks, along with holistic support to access housing, health care, academic resources, and mental health counseling.
Learn more about CRED and our provider organizations at the link below. Complete the interest form at the bottom of this page to get in touch and discuss the opportunity to hire New Yorkers through CRED.
Reasons to Hire through Workforce Connect:
First time hiring through a Workforce Connect program? Check out the resources for new supervisors below:
Are you an NYC youth looking to apply to SYEP? Click here.
Get more Information:
Are you an NYC employer interested in hiring through Workforce Connect? Fill out the form below to receive more information along with future announcements and program notifications.