On October 16, 2017, CCC testified before the New York City Council Youth Services Committee regarding the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).  The testimony focused on the areas of strength, as well as suggested recommendations, for the City’s newly released concept paper regarding SYEP.

CCC testified that the concept paper lays the groundwork for an even stronger SYEP program.  Some notable highlights include more specific program models based on age, a year-round program for older youth, and a focus on connecting youth to real-world job experiences.

CCC testified about some ways to strengthen the program for the upcoming concept paper such as:

• Funding an increase in capacity to serve more youth.
• Providing free or reduced price Metrocards to all participating youth
• Increasing the per participant rate
• Modifying the proposed new training and orientation process to ensure youth are engaged
• Increasing the payment to youth in the younger youth model and ensure that younger youth can be camp counselors.