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Home > Services > Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP)
MSYEP youth at the park

Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP)

Human Service Programs

The goal of the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) is to serve as a young person's first job experience and exposure to the world of work. The program is open to Cambridge residents ages 14 through the summer after completing high school.

Teens are placed in public sector and non-profit jobs throughout Cambridge and in surrounding communities for six weeks during the summer. They work 20 hours a week and are paid minimum wage by the City. Nearly half 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.

Youth have the opportunity to attend college tours, financial literacy trainings, and a variety of program-sponsored enrichment and social events during the summer.

MSYEP 2025 Information

Application update

The last day to apply to MSYEP was Friday, May 9. You can still submit an application though this link, but applications received after May 9 will be considered late and will only be reviewed after on-time applications, if space allows.

Program Information 
  • MSYEP will run from July 7 - August 15, 2025
  • Participants will work 20 hours per week and will be paid $15 per hour.

To be eligible to apply:

  • Teens must be Cambridge residents
  • Teens must be turning 14 years old by July 7, 2025 and are age-eligible through the summer after completing high school.  
  • Teens must be eligible to work in the US in order to get paid
If you have questions about MSYEP, please email youthemployment@cambridgema.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for applying to MSYEP?

1. Apply Online

Teens apply online through Trax, DHSP’s online enrollment system.

  • Priority will be given to students eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch and those from lower-income families.
  • All applications will go to a waitlist so that MSYEP staff can review applications. The waitlist does not mean that the program is already filled to capacity.

2. Complete Hiring Paperwork

Starting mid-April, MSYEP staff will contact applicants to schedule a time to complete hiring paperwork

  • Keep an eye on the email address you used to create or sign into your Trax account so you don't miss this email!
  • Work with your family to find the documents below. These documents are needed to complete your hiring paperwork. 

US Citizens must bring: 

Option 1: Original Birth Certificate and original Social Security Card and either a report card, photo ID, or medical record

or

Option 2: Original and un-expired US Passport and Original Security Card 

Non-US Citizens Must Bring:

Original Resident Alien Card or Permanent Resident Card and Original Social Security Card

Do MSYEP students need to attend all 6 weeks of the program?

Teens may not miss more than 5 program days.

What are the eligibility requirements for applying to MSYEP?

  • Must be a Cambridge resident
  • Must be turning 14 years old as of July 7, 2025. You remain eligible through the summer after graduating high school.  
  • Must be eligible to work in the US in order to get paid

Priority is given to students from low income families 

How much do MSYEP participants get paid?

MSYEP participants are paid minimum wage by the City of Cambridge. During Summer 2025, MSYEP participants will be paid $15.00 per hour.

What kinds of work experiences are available through the MSYEP Program?

A variety of work experiences are available, including:
  • Working with senior citizens
  • Working with children in camps, daycares, or preschool programs
  • Peer leadership and support
  • Arts, theater, and music
  • Office / Library work
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Media / web production
  • Landscaping and outdoor maintenance
  • Physical fitness
  • Academic enrichment
Students indicate the kind of work they are interested in on their MSYEP application, but they are not guaranteed a placement in their area of interest.
Page was last modified on 5/9/2025 4:14 PM
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