Over 250 youthful faces are now seen in the corridors of Seattle's city departments and private sector companies as summer internships launch in full swing, courtesy of the Seattle Human Services Department's (HSD) Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). These internships, which began this week, offer young residents a chance to dip their toes into the world of work, acquiring much-needed experience and skills along the way.
Senior Program Supervisor Elijah Isaiah Warren expressed enthusiasm for the program's kickoff. "The first day of summer internships is always exciting," he said, as stated by Human Interests Seattle. Warren added, "The next six weeks will fly by, with interns working on interesting and meaningful projects. Many will add significant evidence of their skills to their resumes. It’s a win-win situations for interns and their supervisors."
The scope of SYEP isn't just limited to summertime. Projected towards low-income households, young people from 16 to 24 years old are equally eligible for Learn & Earn programs during the school year, provided they live in a home with an income at or below 80% Area Median Income. The director of HSD's Youth & Family Empowerment Division, Dr. Shukri Olow, urged potential applicants to seize these opportunities. "Summer internships are part of a larger program supporting young people," Olow said, as per the Human Interests Seattle.
Last year, SYEP made headlines by securing 295 youth in paid opportunities within a variety of settings which, brought together, clocked over 23,000 hours. This is no small feat, as it represents an investment into a demographic's ability to navigate the labyrinth that is today's employment market. "During the summer months, programming for our youth and young adults is crucial," Seattle Human Services (HSD) Director Tanya Kim told Human Interests Seattle.
