For more than 30 years, the District of Columbia has provided jobs for several thousand teens and young adults through the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). By offering participants a meaningful employment experience throughout the course of the summer, the program creates linkages between academic and occupational learning and provides connections to the local job market for youth. The SYEP is managed by the DC Department of Employment Service (DOES) and is centrally overseen within Commerce by the DOC Program Manager.

In 2015, approximately 45 participants were hosted throughout the Department within the Bureau of Industry and Security, Minority Business Development Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Office of the Secretary.

How the Program Works

DOC offices in the DC metro area interested in hosting one or more youth should complete the SYEP Participant Request Form and submit it to the DOC Program Manager by Friday, March 18, 2016

The DOC Program Manager submits one 2016 SYEP Host Employer Application for the entire Department.

DC DOES is responsible for the recruitment, paperwork, and wages payment for all participants.

The DOC Program Manager coordinates placements with the hosting offices and DC DOES, including facilitating the selection process by hosting offices.

Hosting offices are responsible for making selections, providing assignments and guidance, and verifying and submitting timecards.