This summer, Catholic Charities of New York is proud to celebrate a historic milestone in youth workforce development: a record 1,983 young people enrolled in the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) — the highest in program history.

Led by the Alianza Division of Catholic Charities Community Services, the program offers life-changing opportunities for youth in northern Manhattan and The Bronx. With deep roots in these communities, the Alianza Division specializes in high-quality youth employment and education initiatives that build skills, confidence, and opportunity.

A Look Back: Youth Employment in Action

Last summer, Ana, a sixteen-year-old high school student from The Bronx, joined SYEP for her very first job — painting a public mural at P.S. 368 in Hamilton Heights.

“I’m passionate about painting, creating, and expressing myself through color and design,” Ana shared. “It was great having the money… I feel I’ve grown a little bit.”

Ana left the program with more than just a paycheck — she gained confidence, new friendships, and a sense of independence.

We can’t wait for more young people like Ana to discover their voice, their talent, and their potential through SYEP this summer.

Breaking Records in 2025

Building on that success, this year the Alianza Division drove 4,707 applications through vibrant outreach—including school-based sessions, community events, and partner collaboration—which resulted in a total of 1,983 enrollments, surpassing the original allocation of 1,887.

The expansion includes our first CareerReady school in The Bronx, Archimedes Academy, along with increased youth placements in both The Bronx and Manhattan.

Project-Based Learning for Younger Youth

Younger Youth (ages 14–15) are engaged in 12.5 hours of paid, project-based learning per week, earning up to $700 for the summer. Their work focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and community impact through projects such as:

• Arcturus Community Endeavors – Exploring AI and entrepreneurship through real-world case studies and digital portfolios.
• Caona Wellness – Promoting mental health, self-awareness, and student-led advocacy campaigns.
• Youthful Savings – Delivering financial education and launching youth-driven business ideas.
• Health Research Project – Leading community-focused initiatives on wellness, nutrition, and substance use.

Paid Work Experience for Older Youth

Older Youth (ages 16–24) gain real-world work experience in 238 worksites across sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, media, and technology. Participants work 25 hours per week, earning $16.50 per hour, paid weekly.

These placements span nonprofit, public, and private employers, giving youth direct exposure to professional environments while building job skills and career connections

Training for Lifelong Success

All participants complete an in-person orientation and the Hats & Ladders training platform—covering financial literacy, goal setting, resume writing, and workplace readiness. To date, 86% of this year’s participants have earned their certification, gaining essential tools to support long-term career success.

Year-Round Support: CareerReady Work, Learn & Grow

The Alianza Division also leads CareerReady Work, Learn & Grow, a school-year employment program that engages over 116 high school students across sites like George Washington High School Campus, Brandeis Campus, and Archimedes Academy.
In addition to work experience, students receive academic support, college guidance, and leadership development—further strengthening their future pathways.

By the Numbers – 2025 Enrollment Summary

• Total SYEP Enrollment: 1,983 youth
• Community-Based Enrollment: 1,371 youth
• Bronx: 503 Older, 143 Younger
• Manhattan: 548 Older, 177 Younger
• CareerReady School-Based Enrollment: 612 youth
• 438 Older, 174 Younger

At Catholic Charities of New York, we believe in the promise of every young person. Through the commitment of our Alianza Division and trusted partners, SYEP is more than just a summer job — it’s a stepping stone to confidence, purpose, and opportunity.

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