What is the Summer Youth Employment Program?

The Summer Youth Employment Program provides subsidized job opportunities for youth ages 14 to 20 who meet eligibility guidelines and can provide required documentation. Youth are placed on jobs in the private, public and non-profit worksites during the summer months to gain meaningful work experience.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE for the SummerYouth Work Experience Program?

Income:  Does your family receive Medicaid, SNAP Benefits (NOT PEBT), Family Assistance, SSI or HEAP? If not, is your annual household income at or below:

                  HOUSEHOLD SIZE                   YEARLY INCOME:

                                        1                                              $29,160

                                        2                                                39,440

                                        3                                                49,720

                                        4                                                60,000

                                        5                                                70,280

                                        6                                                80,560

                                        7                                                90,840

                                        8                                                101,120

For family units with more than eight members add $10,280 annually for each additional family member.

Age:  Are you between the ages of 14 and 20?

Residence:  Do you reside in Chautauqua County?

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you may qualify for the Summer Youth Employment Program. 

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Eligibility Packets were released on 5/1/23. 

Let us know if you are interested in participating in this program by filling out the SYEP Eligibility Packet.  All areas highlighted in yellow on the Eligibility Packet MUST be filled out.  All area's in green ust be filled out if applicable.  Fill out and return this Eligibility Packet to Chautauqua Works at:

4 E. 3rd Street                OR            407 Central Avenue
Jamestown, NY 14701                    Dunkirk, NY  14048

DUE DATE  IS MAY 19, 2023  DUE DATE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

This year we are asking you to bring in the additional information that may make you eligible to participate in the program.  By bringing in this additional information with your Eligibility Packet, it will eliminiate the need to set up an appointment and come in at a later date.

You will need identification.  If you don't already have identification as listed below, start working now to obtain it.  The identification you will need is as follows:

Employees may present one selection from List A OR a combination of one selection from List B AND one selection from List C

List A

• US Passport

List B

• Driver's license or ID card issued by a State or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address
• ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address
• School ID card with a photograph

List C

• A Social Security Account Number card,
• Certification of report of birth issued by the Department of State
• Original or certified copy of birth certificate issued by a State, county, municipal authority, or territory of the United States bearing an official seal

There are other acceptable forms of ID, click here for more information.

Below is information on how to obtain important documents if you do not have them.

• If you have lost your social security card, you can replace it
• If you don't have a license, but need photo identification you can get a New York State Non-Drive Photo ID card
• Birth Certificate requests for New York residents (outside NYC)

You will need working papers.  If you are aged 14-17 you will need an employment certificate, also called working papers, in order to hold a job in New York State. To find out more information on working papers, click here. 

Completion of the Eligibility Packet does not guarantee placement into the program.  Opportunities are limited and based on established priorities.  Once we determine if you would be an eligible candidate, we will contact you, either by phone or email, at the telephone number/email address you provided in your Eligibility Packet (so please make sure you indicate a valid telephone number/email address).  At that time, you will be given additional information.

If you DO receive a phone call that you are eligible for the program, you will be required to attend an ORIENTATION on:

    Wednesday, July 5, 2023 in Jamestown

                            OR

    Thursday, July 6, 2023 in Dunkirk

Please expect the phone call on or before 6/30/23.  you will be given additional details on the Orientation Session at that time.

We are looking forward to another great summer in 2023 and providing work experience to the young adults of Chautauqua County..

If you have any questions regarding the Summer Youth Employment Program, please contact Jody Cheney.