The 2018 Summer Youth Employment and Training Program (SYEP), a short-term summer work experience for eligible youth, 14 to 21 years old, in the eastern Connecticut region, is now accepting applications. Administered by EASTCONN in partnership with the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), Norwich Youth and Family Services and New London’s Office of Youth Affairs, the program is anticipated to run from July 2 to Aug. 10, 2018, pending funding.
Youth in the following towns are invited to apply: Ashford, Bozrah, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Colchester, Columbia, Coventry, East Lyme, Eastford, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Hampton, Killingly, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, New London, North Stonington, Mansfield, Montville, Old Lyme, Norwich, Plainfield, Pomfret, Preston, Putnam, Salem, Scotland, Sprague, Sterling, Stonington, Thompson, Union, Voluntown, Willington, Windham, Woodstock and Waterford.
SYEP is open to approximately 300 youth participants who will receive minimum wage ($10.10 per hour) to work approximately 75 hours during July and Aug. More than a summer job, this is an employment opportunity where youth are trained in the skills employers are seeking, including worker safety training. Additionally, participants will be provided with supports such as transportation, required clothing/tools and case management.
“Participants learn valuable core employability skills that are transferable to any work experience and school situation,” said Cyndi Wells who oversees SYEP at EASTCONN. “The value of education, problem-solving, communication and responsibility are reinforced throughout a youth’s time in this program.”
The program is funded by EWIB, local foundations and the State Department of Labor. Public and private worksites within the Willimantic, Danielson, Norwich and New London labor markets have committed to providing job experiences that are learning-rich.
Among the 120 participating businesses are The Garde Arts Center, Douglas Manor Nursing Home, the Slater Museum, Questers’ Way, Backus Hospital, Mansfield Discovery Depot, Windham GROW, CLiCK, Eastern Connecticut State University, Quinebaug Valley Community College, local municipalities and more. Job functions may include medical records management, patient care, clerical, library aides, museum aides, maintenance, customer service, technology assistance and computer repair.
Applications can be accessed at www.eastconn.org/youth-employment. Contact Cyndi Wells at cwells@eastconn.org or 860-455-1572 for more information. EASTCONN is an equal opportunity employer.
EASTCONN is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut schools and communities since 1980. Learn more at www.eastconn.org.