FAQs

SYEP is an initiative of the Newark Youth One Stop Career Center that provides youth ages 14-24 with career exploration and employment opportunities during the summer months (6-8 weeks). Most programs are between 15 and 25 hours per week.

SYEP is a paid summer work experience that will help you explore careers, build sound financial habits, and develop social and leadership skills for success in the workplace. You will also build a career portfolio that includes items like a resume and personal budget.

Newark residents between the ages of 14 - 24 years old are eligible to participate in SYEP. If you are under age 18 you must have permission from a parent/guardian to participate.

You can also participate if you are:

… not fluent in English

… have an IEP and need accommodations - please let us know during the selection interview

… not in school

…. are unhoused or a runaway

…. are justice/court-involved

… are undocumented

Please just let us know if you have a special circumstance during the selection interview.

You do not have to be vaccinated to participate, however many of the companies/organizations where you may be placed may require vaccination.

Yes! It is completely free to apply and participate in the Newark Summer Youth Employment Program.

The Newark SYEP Participant Application is coming soon!

Only online applications will be accepted, and you must have a working email address. Please ensure that the young person applying uses their valid email address and phone number (rather than their parent/guardian’s email/phone), as we encourage you to take responsibility for your application.

You will be required to show proof of identity, residence, income, work eligibility and education status through the following documents:

IDENTITY

Picture ID (school, city, state, government issued). School ID will be accepted

AGE

Birth Certificate

Valid U.S. Passport

Naturalization Card

Social Security Card

RESIDENCE (last 30 days)

Utility Bill

Phone/Cable Bill

Bank Statement

Lease

INCOME VERIFICATION (last 60 Days)

Last 3 Pays Stubs

UI Benefits or Award letter

2021 W-2

PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Report Card (dated within the last 6 mos) OR

Official School Transcript OR

NJ Driver/Non-Driver’s License OR

Voter’s Registration Card OR

U.S. Military Card /Draft Record

OR WORK ELIGIBILITY (for youth 17 and under)

Working papers

All documents must be unexpired and the residence and income documents must be from the last 60 days. Documents must be submitted in order to be considered for the lottery. See here for a full list of accepted documents.

Sure! Contact the Newark Youth One-Stop for assistance or your school guidance counselor:

Call: (973) 273-6063

Email: newarkyouthonestop@ci.newark.nj.us

Yes, even if you have participated in the past, please complete a new application online.

Previous participation does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the program.

Return to homepage and click view/edit application to continue.

No, applicants are chosen by lottery or through a specialized SYEP program provider. There will be more than one lottery to ensure that all seats in the program are filled. If you are selected in the lottery, you will be contacted via the email address and/or phone number you provide in your application.

You will be notified by May 2024, or before if you are selected from the lottery.

Once you are selected you will be contacted by the Newark Youth One-Stop staff to submit your eligibility documents (see above) and complete a short selection interview. This interview will help us understand your career interests and any barriers to participation so that we may place you in a work experience that meets your needs. You will also be able to sign up for a bank account if you don’t already have one and direct deposit.

Before going to your worksite, you will also attend paid work readiness and financial literacy workshops during your first week of the program. These workshops are required and will provide you an overview of the program and build your workplace skills.

2024 SYEP placements will be in-person. Depending on the worksite you are placed at, you may have an opportunity to work remotely.

For youth ages 14-24 who are not in college: 16 hours per week for 6 weeks

For youth in college: 20 hours per week for 8 weeks

Youth in Specialized programs such as Essex County College Pre-College Programs, NJIT Math Success Institute, Rutgers Futures Scholars, may have different schedules and start dates. Please contact your program provider for more information about their unique dates and times.

There are two ways that you can be paid. Sign up for a bank account and direct deposit during your selection interview with the One-Stop staff to be paid directly every 2 weeks. If you do not have a bank account (and do not want to sign up for one), you will receive a debit/pay card and receive payment according to the pay schedule.

All SYEP participants and worksites must adhere to the city’s current mask mandate. Under Mayor Ras. J Baraka’s mandate, the City of Newark will no longer require persons to wear face masks while in indoor public places. However, face masks are recommended for the safety of yourself and others.

See here for the most up-to-date list of facilities and city mandates.

We have options if you are in summer school or have a part-time job elsewhere. However, if you are planning to go on vacation or out of the country during the 6-8 weeks of the summer, we do not recommend you participate this year.

Contact the Newark Youth One-Stop Career Center -

Phone:

(973)-733-5772

Email:

newarkyouthonestop@ci.newark.nj.us

Newark Youth One-Stop Career Center

375 McCarter Hwy, 3rd Floor

Newark, NJ 07114

Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM