Summer Youth Employment Program
Providing Virginia Beach youth between the ages of 16-21 with the opportunity to develop skills, set career goals, earn money and become financially empowered by placing them in meaningful summer jobs.
2027 Important Dates
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Applications open: January
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Application deadline: March 1
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Interviews: Feb. 16-18, March 16-18
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Orientation: June 14-17 (in person)
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First day of work: June 21
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Last day of work: Aug. 6
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Recognition Ceremony: Aug. 6
Applications open in January.
Program Details
Program Requirements
- Participants aged between 16-21 years old. (Must be 16 on or before June 1, 2027)
- Reside in the City of Virginia Beach (proof of residence required)
- Commit to the entire 8-week program (June 14-Aug. 6)
Required Documents
- Submit application (coming soon)
- Submit questionnaire
- We must receive at least two recommendation forms. (Copy the link and send to at least two people who can speak on your behalf, for example, a teacher, coach, volunteer coordinator or pastor.) No family or friend recommendations will be accepted. Once the recommender completes the form, it will automatically be submitted to SYEP.) No other form of recommendation will be accepted.
- Submit proof of Virginia Beach residence (most recent progress report or report card) as an email attachment to SYEP@VBGov.com. If you do not have a current progress report or report card, contact SYEP for next steps.
- NOTE: Resumes are optional.
Hiring Process
- IMPORTANT: CHECK YOUR EMAIL OFTEN FOR HIRING CORRESPONDENCE. Missing an email can mean missing an important deadline – and could mean missing out on a job opportunity.
- Applications are reviewed every Monday. Once you submit your application, you have two weeks from the following Monday to submit all required documents. If your documents are not received within this two-week window, your application may still be retained for consideration if specific program needs arise, but you will no longer be eligible for an interview.
- When all required documents are received by SYEP, an email will be sent to sign up for an SYEP interview.
- Following the interview, if an offer is made, you will have one week to respond saying you accept the position and sign up for an onboarding appointment with Human Resources.
- During your Human Resources onboarding appointment, you will complete your hiring paperwork. You must bring the original Social Security card (non-laminated) and a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, learner’s permit, school ID or VA ID card.) Do not send these documents by email for security reasons.
- You will be contacted via email with SYEP Orientation instructions.
Employer Benefits
When investing in the youth of Virginia Beach, employers are doing more than just providing them with summer jobs. Employers benefit from participation in SYEP in several ways:
- 94% stated that SYEP has helped them gain a better understanding of career choices and/or education options for the future.
- 92% stated that SYEP has better prepared them for the future.
- Providing meaningful jobs in Virginia Beach will help them see the great opportunities our community has to offer and keep our great talent here.
- Employers are provided with a job coach for additional support to both the participant and the supervisor.
Employer Role
- Supervise, schedule, advise, and mentor your Youth Worker (s).
- Provide productive work assignments to develop a work ethic, basic job skills, and workplace expectations, and explore career interests.
- Offer 27 hours of meaningful work each week between June-August.
- Attend the Recognition Ceremony with your Youth Worker on the last day of program (Aug. 6, 2027)
SYEP City Department Partners
- Communications Department
- Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Cultural Affairs
- Economic Development
- Finance
- Fire
- Housing & Neighborhood Preservation
- Human Resources
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Libraries
- Museums & Historic Resources
- Parks & Recreation
- Police
- Public Utilities
- Public Works
- STiR Office
- Virginia Beach City Public Schools
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
Through the support of dedicated employers, our program is able to place Virginia Beach youth in meaningful jobs during the summer. If your organization is interested in providing part-time employment this summer, review the benefits and requirements below and submit your application by Feb. 12. You must also attend the SYEP Supervisor meeting on May 14, 2027, via Microsoft Teams.
Employer Benefits
When investing in the youth of Virginia Beach, employers are doing more than just providing them with summer jobs. Employers benefit from participation in SYEP in several ways:
- 94% stated that SYEP has helped them gain a better understanding of career choices and/or education options for the future.
- 92% stated that SYEP has better prepared them for the future.
- Providing meaningful jobs in Virginia Beach will help them see the great opportunities our community has to offer and keep our great talent here.
- Employers are provided with a job coach for additional support to both the participant and the supervisor.
Employer Role
- Main worksite is in the City of Virginia Beach.
- Commit to schedule at least 27 hours each week. Pay must be at least minimum wage.
- Supervise, schedule, advise, and mentor your Youth Worker(s).
- Provide productive work assignments to develop a work ethic, basic job skills, and workplace expectations, and explore career interests.
- Follow the requirements stated in the SYEP Partnership Agreement.
- Attend the Recognition Ceremony with your Youth Worker (s) on the last day of the program (Aug. 6, 2027).
Can't host a youth worker, but still want to be involved? Show your support for SYEP by sponsoring a youth worker this summer.
Your organization can help provide one SYEP applicant with eight weeks of experience and one week of professional development. Invest in Virginia Beach’s future workforce today! Contact SYEP Staff at SYEP@vbgov.com or 757-385-0432 for more details.
SYEP Previous Private Partners
- ABNB Federal Credit Union
- America Saves for Young Workers
- Bank on Hampton Roads
- Beach Ford
- Coastal Hospitality – Holiday Inn North Beach
- Delta Hotels Shore Drive
- Dollar Bank
- Dough Boys
- Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD)
- IMS: Gear
- LifeCents
- Mass Mutual
- Oceans Horizon
- Safelite AutoGlass
- Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
- Summer Jobs Connect
- SunTrust
- TASTE Unlimited
- Tidewater Finance Company
- Youth Career Center of Hampton Roads
- Virginia Beach Field House
Participant Testimonials
This program was extremely fun. I really appreciate the fact that my job placement was not a setting where I had to shy away from my personality, but instead I was encouraged to embrace it.
This was a fantastic program and I’m so glad I was able to work for SYEP.
The SYEP team, save money for college, and make some really good friends. Can’t wait to come back next year.
This was my first job experience and it was very nice to get this opportunity through SYEP. I loved the job and experience I gained. I now feel more confident and comfortable to continue my working journey.
Supervisor Testimonials
We enjoy having a youth worker and greatly appreciate all the help they offer us in our busy program season.
I have very much enjoyed spending the summer with my SYEP youth workers. They were truly amazing, and in our own way we have become "family" Thank you for the SYEP program.