March 31, 2025 – Summit County, Ohio
Summit County’s popular Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) returns for 2025, with applications opening April 1. County Executive Ilene Shapiro announced today that the program will continue to provide valuable work experience for residents ages 16-18 across diverse industries including healthcare, IT, marketing, and construction.
The eight-week program enables participants to earn up to $2,400 while developing career skills. This year’s program introduces several enhancements focused on financial literacy, including a partnership with Buckeye State Credit Union allowing teens to open independent banking accounts without requiring adult co-signers.
“Last year’s program connected nearly 800 young people with 335 local employers, generating over $1.5 million in earnings,” said a spokesperson from the Executive’s office. “We’re excited to expand financial education opportunities through additional incentives from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund.”
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis through a streamlined universal application system developed in partnership with Youth Success Summit and Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG). Some programs have household income requirements not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level.
Video testimonials from past participants are available at youthsuccesssummit.org/summer-youth-employment-program/.
The program begins June 9. Interested participants should apply immediately at youthsuccesssummit.org/work. For questions, contact Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates at 330-374-9477 or email success@jogworks.org. Families of teens with disabilities can access specialized opportunities by contacting Kenneth Crookston at Kenneth.Crookston@ood.ohio.gov or 216-956-5843.
