Virginia Beach Summer Youth Employment Program Offers Opportunities for Growth and Experience

The application period for the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) begins on Monday, Jan. 15. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's Youth Opportunities Office encourages Virginia Beach residents ages 16-21 to apply for the opportunity to develop skills, set career goals, earn money and become financially empowered with a meaningful summer job.

In 2023, SYEP employed 137 individuals across city agencies and private businesses. Interested applicants looking for a summer job that provides experience, mentorship, coaching, and more should apply by March 11 at VirginiaBeach.gov/syep

“In eight weeks alone, I learned more about the life in my home city than I have in the past two decades.” said past SYEP participant Maylene Dio who worked in the city’s Communications Department. “The summer employment opportunity presented a variety of experiences for me to learn about the value of municipal government, communications and community engagement.”

Learn more about Maylene’s experience by reading her blog, “A Summer with My City: My Experiences with the 2023 Summer Youth Employment Program”.

SYEP is open to Virginia Beach residents, ages 16-21, and runs from June 24 to Aug. 7. Participants will earn $15 per hour, working 27 hours per week during the eight-week program. Applicants will be screened, interviewed, and matched with prospective employers by SYEP staff. Workplace readiness, financial empowerment training, and career coaching are also provided during the orientation and throughout the entire program.

For additional information about becoming an SYEP participant, please contact Trey Calloway at (757) 385-0432 or email SYEP@vbgov.com.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation strives to promote healthy lifestyles and protect the City's coastal environment, as well as to ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social and economic circumstances – can access Parks & Recreation programs. The department's vision is to be the national leader in providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is the 2023 National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in Parks and Recreation Management in the Class I category by the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.

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