Career Link Youth Program
Youth Program 2006-2007
Program Introduction
SYEP supports youth to successfully graduate from high school while providing them with the skills they need to find and maintain employment. Our program targets Seattle youth ages 14-21 who have little or no work experience, may be struggling in school or have other circumstances that make it difficult to obtain a job.
Our ultimate goal is to graduate youth from high school with a plan in place to get a job, attend college, or enroll in a trade or apprenticeship program. Services are integrated and year-round, using a case management model that also utilizes community-based agency partnerships, the Seattle Public School District, and other educational institutions.
Did you know that since May 2005 over 140 youth from SYEP have obtained jobs at companies such as Boeing, Starbucks, United Parcel Service, and Microsoft?
Please view our SYEP 2005 Awards Ceremony video.
Our Six Point Program Strategy
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“Education first, employment second” means youth must first demonstrate academic success before being offered subsidized employment opportunities.
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Age appropriate programming focuses on social skill building and community service for youth at 14 or 15, while older youth receive more-intensive employment readiness training.
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Customized planning and case management allows youth to receive support and services that best-fits their individual needs.
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Collaboration with other government offices, schools, community agencies, businesses, and local colleges builds a safety net for youth and strengthens our program.
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Promotion of youth to non-subsidized jobs who have the necessary skills to be successful in the private sector.
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Data and evaluation is incorporated within our services to improve program design, resulting in better outcomes for youth and clear articulation of our success.
Overview of Services
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Youth are assigned to a case manager where they develop academic, personal, and employment skill-related goals.
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Youth performance contracts are developed to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of goals, expectations and rewards for doing well, and also helps measure progress in the program.
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Classes are provided to gain or make-up high school credit, help pass standardized tests, build basic writing and math skills, and assist with homework assignments.
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Peer support groups and monthly activities such as career exploration workshops, job fairs, field trips, violence prevention workshops, and other related events inspire youth to stay focused on their future.
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Bus passes, vouchers for work clothes, and other financial assistance are provided as needed.
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If eligible, youth are assigned to paid internships where their work hours, progress, and attainment of skills are measured through evaluation tools and regular contact with worksite training supervisors.
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Youth receive resources on information related to college, apprenticeship programs, jobs, and/or referral to other services as needed (including specialized counseling services such as alcohol or drug counseling).
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Contact with parents or guardians to keep them informed of their youth’s progress.
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Assistance with developing post high school transition plans.
Upon successful exit from our program, youth are eligible for follow-up services (as determined by their individual needs) for at least one year following exit from SYEP. This can include case-management support to assist youth in making the adjustment to post-secondary educational opportunities or the workplace.
Work-Based Education Group Projects
SYEP partners with a number of community-based agencies to provide special summertime Work-Based Education Group Projects, primarily for younger high school youth. These projects offer a range of leadership development, performing and multi-media arts, and culturally specific opportunities tied to educational learning. Work-Based Education Projects emphasize goal setting, strong communication, and leadership skills which help in the transition to adulthood.
All Work-Based Education Group Projects reward youth with a stipend and academic or vocational high school credit upon successful completion. Please view our youth-directed, 2005 SYEP Work-Based Education Group Projects video.
The Seattle Youth Employment Consortium
Since October of 2000 SYEP has served as lead agency of the Seattle Youth Employment Consortium (SYEC). Metrocenter YMCA and the Center for Career Alternatives (CCA) provide additional case management, education, and youth employment and training services. The Seattle Public Schools (SPS) provides Saturday high school credit classes and collaboration with summer school and summer work-based education projects. SYEP is the database manager and fiscal agent for the consortium, which is funded by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County.
Start-Out / Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Have The Start-Out/Certified Nursing Assistant Program provides youth between the ages of 16 and 21 with an entry-level career path in health care. Youth attend Certified Nursing Assistant classes at South Seattle Community College which prepares them to pass the State CNA exam. Youth are also placed into internships at local hospitals and long-term care facilities, giving them the “hands-on” experience they need to find a non-subsidized job. Due to the shortage of bilingual Certified Nursing Assistants, this particular program looks to recruit bilingual youth to meet the demands of the health care industry.
This program is a partnership between SYEP, South Seattle Community College, numerous long term health care facilities and hospitals, and is funded by a grant from the Workforce Development Council and the City of Seattle General Fund. SYEP is also a partner in the Youth Nursing Careers for All (YNCA) program, a collaboration with Renton Technical College and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.
Contact Us
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We are located just North of Pioneer Square at:
Human Services Department
Seattle Youth Employment Program
810 - 3rd Ave., Suite 420
(The Central Building at 3rd & Columbia)
Seattle, WA 98104-1604
Phone: (206) 386-1375
Frequently Asked Questions
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WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO GET INTO SYEP?
Youth must be between 14 and 21 years old, a resident within the city of Seattle, have valid identification including picture ID, Social Security Card, an academic transcript (even if you’re currently not attending school), and proof of low income family status. -
HOW DO I APPLY?
Each year SYEP prints 1000 applications, and they are handed out on a first-come basis until we run out. Applications may be picked up at our office. The application is very long, so it’s best to come into our office so a staff person can review your application to make sure it’s complete. -
WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED?
Out of the 1000 applications, only 170 to 200 are processed for admission into the program (that’s a 17 to 20% chance of getting in). You improve your chances by turning in a complete application with the required back-up documents. We do not process applications on a “first-received, first-processed” basis. Each application is individually reviewed and weighed on its own merit. We seek broad participation from youth who meet our entry requirements, regardless of your school grades or other factors.
Our Funders
SYEP is funded by the City of Seattle General Fund, federal Workforce Investment Act funds administered by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County www.seakingwdc.org, United Way of King County www.uwkc.org, and private donors.
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