Summer in New York City is more than sunshine and time off from school; it’s a season of growth, purpose, and leadership for the youth in our communities. At Catholic Charities New York, we believe that when young people are given real opportunities, they rise. And this summer, through programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and events like the 2025 Alianza Youth Conference, they are doing just that.
Catholic Charities’ Alianza Division is at the heart of this mission, serving thousands of young people each year through education, career readiness, civic engagement, and creative arts programs. This summer alone, 1,983 youth were enrolled through Alianza’s SYEP initiative, surpassing the original allocation of 1,887. These participants were placed in real-world experiences across 238 worksites, gaining valuable exposure in fields such as healthcare, education, media, and technology.
For older youth (ages 16–24), the program provides 25 hours of paid work per week at $16.50 an hour. Younger youth (ages 14–15) take part in creative, project-based learning experiences, earning up to $700 over the summer while building skills in entrepreneurship, wellness, and social impact.
But beyond employment, this work is about developing young leaders, nurturing identity, confidence, and a sense of belonging. That commitment was on full display at the 2025 Alianza Youth Conference, held June 7 at J.H.S. 143 Eleanor Roosevelt in Washington Heights. More than 250 middle and high school students from across the city gathered for a full day of learning, expression, and connection.
The conference offered a dynamic mix of hands-on workshops, performances, and group discussions led by civic leaders, creatives, educators, and advocates. Students explored everything from coding and digital literacy to mindfulness practices like meditation and breathwork, designed to help manage stress and improve focus. Sessions on financial literacy and economic mindset gave youth tools to begin thinking critically about money, budgeting, and building long-term wealth. Others focused on mental health awareness, identity, and storytelling as a form of advocacy.
Throughout the building, students practiced public speaking, reflected on their goals, and learned practical strategies to lead their schools and communities. The event emphasized that leadership is not about position, but about action, starting with personal growth and extending outward.
One of the most memorable moments came when Seydina Sow, a high school student originally from Senegal, stood before his peers and delivered a moving spoken word piece. “It really means a lot to walk up on stage and grab the microphone and share my thoughts and my words. I’m proud of myself,” he said. His words spoke to the heart of the day, bold self-expression, rooted in courage and community.
The day opened with a clear message: this conference was designed for young people, by those who believe in their power to lead. Participants were challenged to take what they learned and return to their schools, homes, and neighborhoods as changemakers. Because the youth is our future, and they need our support now more than ever.
Lisa Flores, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services sees that from some of the leaders and the parents is the pipeline to actually come back to the community that helped them. “You are to be leaders of not only Washington Heights, Inwood, Highbridge. But actually out there beyond that.”
With the continued investment of Catholic Charities and Alianza, this generation is not only preparing for the future, they’re actively shaping it.
From employment opportunities to community transformation, Catholic Charities New York continues to stand with our youth, this summer and always.
Learn more about our youth here: https://catholiccharitiesny.org/what-we-do/youth/
