Energetic, motivated, and future-focused are four
standout participants of the Westchester County Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) who
took the spotlight at Carver Center’s SYEP closing ceremony. Sebastian Mora, Carver Camp, Roaa
Mohammed, Carver Camp, Melani Lopez, Carver Center Camp, and Ana Ruiz, NY Presbyterian Hospital
spent their summer working and reflected the confidence, professionalism, and career exploration
mindset that the SYEP program is designed to inspire. Their achievements are just a small sample of
the hundreds of success stories that occurred across the county this summer.
Each summer, the TANF Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) opens doors for Westchester
County teens and young adults to gain their first real-world work experience. Supported by the
Westchester–Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB), SYEP provides subsidized
employment opportunities for income-eligible youth ages 14 to 20. Employers are incentivized to hire
participants because wages are covered by program funds, making it possible for small businesses,
nonprofits, and community organizations to take on youth workers at no cost to them. Employers
include government agencies, county parks and recreation centers, nonprofit organizations, and small
businesses.
The program goes beyond a paycheck. Participants receive job-readiness training in areas such as
financial literacy, resume writing, and interview preparation, while also gaining hands-on experience in
workplaces ranging from community centers to hospitals. This combination of training and
employment helps youth build confidence, explore career pathways, and develop the professionalism
needed to succeed in the workforce.
In 2025, SYEP ran from May 1 through September 30 with more than $1.75 million in funding,
including $1,140,437 for Westchester placements and $614,080 for Yonkers. In total, 420 program
spots were made available, ensuring that hundreds of young people could gain valuable skills, and lay
the foundation for future career success.
Participants are enrolled by local youth organizations who provide job readiness training, supervision,
and mentorship. Each organization has an enrollment and employment goal for summer which is
historically exceeded each year. This year’s community partners included: Boys & Girls Club, Carver
Center, Children’s Village, Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau, New Rochelle Youth Bureau, Ossining Youth
Bureau, Peekskill Youth Bureau, Slater Center, Town of Greenburgh, WestCOP, White Plains Youth
Bureau, Westhab, Inc.
Liz Oliveto, WPWDB Youth Program Director shared: “We are truly grateful to the employers,
community partners, families, and staff whose support makes SYEP possible each year. It’s inspiring to
watch our community come together each summer to open doors for young people and invest in their
futures. And most of all, congratulations to our youth participants—you’ve worked hard, spoken up for
yourselves, and shown what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.”
THE WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WPWDB) is comprised of leaders
and staff of state and county government agencies, non-profits, public education, and the private
sector who work together to strengthen the partnerships between business, education, and service
providers within the “Career Center Network” to meet the needs for a skilled workforce. The WPWDB
pursues funding opportunities and develops model programs and leading-edge practices. The
“Network” is made up of four Career Centers (White Plains, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, and Carmel) as
well as partner agencies that provide state-of-the-art technology, training, resources, and services to
youth, adults and employers. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.