SYEP Overview
Applications Now Closed as of Friday, February 14 at 5 p.m .EST.
This program is not only an opportunity to get paid gaining work experience, but to explore different career options, and build skills that will assist you beyond the workplace—all while making valuable connections. SYEP will connect you with work experience that will help you grow professionally and personally. Whether you’re eager to try something new, discover your passions, or simply learn what it takes to succeed, this is an opportunity to get real-world experience in a failure-free space. We are committed to shaping your experience today, for impact tomorrow.
The 2025 program will run from Monday, June 30 through Friday, August 8, 2025. Ready to get started? Join us this summer to build people skills, discover new career tracks, gain hands-on experience, and play an important role in empowering your community. We look forward to connecting with you!
The Summer Youth Employment Program:
- Will run from Monday, June 30 to Friday, August 8, 2025
- Provides career development, education, and summer income in the amount of $12.41 per hour
- Is designed for Alexandria residents ages 14-21
- Is a six-week program that allows youth to work between 20-30 hours per week
Important Dates
2025 | |
| Friday, February 14 | Application Extension Deadline |
| March - April | Youth Interviews |
| Monday, June 30 - Thursday, July 3 | Youth Orientation |
| Monday, July 7 | Work Experience Begins |
| Friday, August 8 | Work Experience Ends |
| TBD | SYEP Closing Ceremony |
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Youth between the ages of 14 - 21 enrolled in middle or high school
- City of Alexandria resident
- Receive SNAP, Medicaid, TANF benefits, or qualify for free or reduced lunch based on family size and income
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Youth who have an IEP at school are eligible regardless of receipt of benefits
**To be considered for program participation, applicants must meet items 1 through 4. Please note that individuals with disabilities are exempt from item 3, however, are still required to meet items 1, 2, and 4.**
What Documents Are Needed?
Currently, we are accepting the following documents to validate program eligibility
- Proof of City of Alexandria residency (i.e. school ID, Virginia ID, or report card that includes full name and address)
- Social Security Card, birth certificate, or proof of ability to work in the United States
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, learner’s permit, school ID, or VA identification card)
- If you are using an IEP for eligibility, a copy of the IEP will be requested
Program Requirements
- Complete and submit all forms and documents by the above-referenced application deadline
- Commit to the entire 6-week program including orientation, workshops, work experience and the Closing Ceremony
- Adhere to all program policies and procedures outlined in the SYEP Participant Handbook
How to Apply
2025 SYEP Youth Applications are Now Closed as of Friday, February 14
Thank you to everyone who applied for the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program. As of Friday, February 14, applications are officially closed and will be processed in the order they were received until all positions or spots are filled.
Any questions, please reach out to DCHSSummerYouth@alexandriava.gov.
For Businesses
Join the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program as a Dedicated Business!
Partner with Us in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
The Workforce Development Center is excited to invite your business to participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a unique opportunity to help shape the future workforce while providing valuable experiences that foster a sense of purpose and intention for the youth in our community.
By hosting youth participants, your organization will play a key role in offering them the chance to explore diverse career paths, development of their career readiness, and build meaningful connections within your industry and our community—all while learning in a “failure-free” space. The SYEP helps young people gain practical, real-world experience in a supportive environment, encouraging growth both professionally and personally.
Our diverse participants arrive at your worksite eagerly, knowledgeable, and determined to give their work experience their all.
This program is committed to empowering today’s youth with your help. By contributing to the future success of our community, we are investing in the next generation of talent in the City of Alexandria.
Employer Application - Apply now!
Employer Benefits
When investing in the youth of Alexandria, employers are doing more than just providing them with a summer job. Employers benefit from participation in SYEP in several ways:
- 90% stated that SYEP has helped them gain a better understanding of career choices and/or education options for the future
- 95% stated that SYEP has better prepared them for the future
- Providing meaningful jobs in Alexandria will help them see the great opportunities we have to offer and keep our great talent here
- Employers are provided a Youth Advisor for additional support to both the participant and the supervisor
Employer Role
- Provide meaningful work experience and mentorship to participating youth
- Assign a mentor or supervisor to guide and support youth participants during their work experience, which will contribute to the occupational development and upward mobility of the participant
- Notify the Youth Advisor of issues/problems immediately
- Participate in youth award nominations and attend the Closing Ceremony
- Complete/sign evaluation and serve as a work experience reference
Employer Testimonials
