The goal of MSYEP is to serve as a young person's first job experience and exposure to the world of work. The program serves primarily 14 and 15 year olds, though 16 to 18 year olds are encouraged to apply, and many older applicants will be assigned to worksites.
Teens are placed in public sector and non-profit jobs throughout the City for six weeks during the summer. They work 20 hours a week, earning minimum wage, with the wage paid by the City. One third of the youth are placed in Summer Work and Learning sites, which offer participants a valuable educational and employment experience using the community’s resources to expose youth to potential educational or career paths.
All youth participate in skill-building workshops for one hour each week and have the opportunity to attend college tours, financial literacy training, and a variety of program-sponsored social events during the summer.