Opening Doors for Bronx Youth
Every summer, hundreds of young people across New York City take their first steps into the working world through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). For students at the Archimedes Academy for Math, Science & Technology Applications in the Bronx, that journey is made possible through a partnership with Catholic Charities of New York. This summer, Catholic Charities reached a historic milestone, enrolling a record 1,983 young people through our Alianza Division.
For Gerard Louis, the school’s technology specialist, the program has become more than just a summer initiative. It is a pathway for responsibility, growth, and hope.
“I’ve been doing SYEP internship [programing] for the past four years,” Gerard explained. “A lot of kids were hungry for work and needed money. Some of these kids use this money to take care of their family. The $2,400 they get for the summer really makes a difference.”
Gerard doesn’t just wait for students to apply. He recruits actively, making sure opportunities don’t slip away. “I can’t leave it up to the children because there’s a stigma associated with SYEP that it’s just a lottery. I personally contact each child, do announcements over the loudspeaker, and sit with the Catholic Charities team to track every student. When they know their documents are in and they’ve been selected, it changes everything.”
Building Responsibility and Skills
For many students, SYEP is the first chance to experience financial independence. Gerard has seen firsthand how that small paycheck can create lifelong habits.
“The kids were so happy to work and coming on time. They learned task completion. I’ve seen teachers surprised — saying, ‘Oh my God, he can’t do this in class,’ and then watching him succeed on the job. They became more independent, more responsible. Some were able to save, some went grocery shopping, others used the money for school needs. They became more economically sound than before.”
Even simple experiences, like getting a bank card, become milestones. “The first time having a direct deposit really is like, ‘Wow!’” Gerard said. “For a young person, it’s a big deal. It’s stability. Next year I want to do a financial literacy workshop to help them set up accounts before the program starts.”
Training is built into every placement. Custodial staff teach students how to clean, maintain, and organize. Gerard trains them on databases, spreadsheets, and phone calls. “They picked it up immediately,” he said. “Confidence grew. They weren’t shy anymore. They worked as a team. Parents even told me, ‘He’s cleaning the bathroom at home now!’”
Voices of the Students
For Kevin, 17, the program has been a life-changing experience. “Honestly, social skills and communication — since COVID kind of messed that up for a lot of us — were the biggest things I wanted to work on,” he said. “Of course, helping my mom too. Bills are rough, so I wanted to at least take care of myself and sometimes help her out.”
This summer, Kevin worked on school improvement projects. “We organized storage rooms, lifted things, cleaned, made the school better than it was before. Honestly, just workplace improvement,” he said. Along the way, he picked up lessons in punctuality. “Sometimes it wasn’t even my fault, it was the bus. But it taught me to be extra prepared. My mom always says, ‘It’s better to be 15 minutes early than two minutes late.’ Now I really apply that.”
For Evan, 16, volunteering alongside SYEP students has been equally valuable. “I wanted to work on my social skills and the way I interact with other people,” he said.
Both students emphasized the importance of the supportive environment. “Everyone’s nice, everyone’s kind,” Kevin said. “They actually show us how to do the work instead of just telling us. Working here has honestly been a treat.”
Evan agreed. “The staff are extremely kind and respectful. They give understandable, respectful criticism that helps us improve. The teamwork has been my favorite part. It creates a calming, warm atmosphere,” he said.
And of course, that first paycheck is unforgettable. “That is definitely a motivator,” Kevin said with a smile. “I just have to learn how to budget. Thankfully, my mom taught me that. But yeah, getting paid feels good.”
A Stronger School and Community
The benefits of SYEP ripple out beyond the students. Parents notice changes at home. Teachers see new confidence in class. Employers across the Bronx gain reliable young workers.
“The community is ecstatic when they see kids working and producing,” Gerard reflected. “It makes them better people. Some students even get hired permanently after SYEP ends. Stores like Five Below, CVS, and Walgreens have kept our kids on because they saw how good they were.”
For Gerard, the most rewarding part is simple. “Seeing kids doing something other than staying on their phones. Watching them conduct business, being professional — it makes you want to cry. I tell them every day, ‘I love you guys, you’re awesome,’ and they use that to propel themselves to do more.”
Kevin summed up the experience best. “Work isn’t always easy. Sometimes you don’t feel like showing up, but you push through. That’s what SYEP taught me. You’ve just got to keep going,” he said.
Through Catholic Charities’ partnership with SYEP and Archimedes Academy, young people in the Bronx are not just earning a paycheck. They’re building responsibility, discovering their strengths, and preparing for futures filled with opportunity.
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