Medgar Evers College's Summer Youth Employment Program Empowers Young People with Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Skills

Strategic Insights -

The Medgar Evers College Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has been a springboard to the world of work for young people for over 20 years, providing over 1,400 participants with seven weeks of summer employment and educational experiences. The program's mission is to develop young people, their networks, and the teamwork needed to accomplish great goals, with the ultimate aim of preparing them for a successful future. According to Dr. Evelyn Castro, the program's director, the importance of SYEP lies in its ability to engage young people, teach them valuable skills, and help them build relationships that will serve them well in their future careers.

Key Takeaways:

  • SYEP has been in operation for over 20 years, providing young people with a valuable springboard to the world of work.
  • The program selects approximately 1,400 participants out of 4,000 applicants, aged 16-24, who undergo seven weeks of summer employment and educational experiences.
  • The primary goal of SYEP is to develop young people, their networks, and the teamwork needed to accomplish great goals, with the ultimate aim of preparing them for a successful future.
  • Dr. Marsha Webster, head of SYEP, points out that the program's emphasis on financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills has been instrumental in helping young people acquire good habits and prepare for their future careers.
  • The program has partnered with various organizations, including JP Morgan Chase, to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of financial health and business development skills.
  • Shakima Figuera Collins, a community manager with JP Morgan Chase, highlights the importance of teaching young people essential financial health applications, such as budgeting, savings, and credit management, to help them become successful entrepreneurs.
  • One of the participants, Ethan Chen, a 15-year-old freshman at Stuyvesant High School, credits the program with helping him develop his public speaking skills, networking connections, and financial knowledge, which he believes will serve him well in his future academic and professional pursuits.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,400 young people participate in SYEP annually.
  • The program targets young people aged 16-24 who are seeking a springboard to the world of work.
  • SYEP has partnered with over 200 work sites, including various departments at Medgar Evers College, restaurants, and small businesses, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
  • JP Morgan Chase has provided financial support and resources to SYEP for the past three years.
  • The program's participants receive a backpack crammed with school supplies at the end of the program.
  • According to Shakima Figuera Collins, JP Morgan Chase has taught over 1,000 young people about essential financial health applications, such as budgeting, savings, and credit management.

Sources:

  • Medgar Evers College Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
  • JP Morgan Chase Corporate and Community Responsibility Team
  • Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)
  • Gerard Williams, Hip Hop Gamer and guest speaker at SYEP