Hartford Youths Getting Fiscal Opportunities

HARTFORD, CT — Thanks to several Hartford-area entities, local youths have a chance this summer to not only earn a little bit of cash, but to earn some future employment experience.

This week, Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) announced the 2022 Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program (SYELP) kickoff.

This initiative connects youths across the Hartford region with paid summer jobs.

This summer, more than 1,100 youths between the ages of 14 and 24 will gain career readiness experience across various industries, including retail, education, health care and other sectors.

The program began July 5 and runs until Aug. 31.

“SYELP is a great opportunity for capital region youth to gain life skills training and real world work experience that will help prepare them for future career success,” said Alex B. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of CWP.

“While SYELP participants earn a competitive wage, our region will benefit from a stronger talent pipeline with young people who have gained valuable work experience and education. CWP appreciates the generous, sustained commitment of our funders and our partners who make this important program a reality.”

SYELP is funded via stakeholders "committed to helping Hartford-area youth develop career-readiness skills," according to a CWP statement released Tuesday.

SYELP’s 2022 funders are: The State of Connecticut; The City of Hartford; the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; and Bank of America.

Participants are residents aged 14-21 living in a north-central Connecticut community or Hartford residents aged 14-24.

Wages range from $12 to $14 per hour, depending on the program placement and the participant’s age.

Participants are supported through CWP with program services via Our Piece of the Pie (OPP), Center for Latino Progress, Community Renewal Team and the Blue Hills Civic Association.
SYELP is also providing summer employment for Opportunity Youth in Hartford.

Opportunity Youth are young people ages 16 to 24 who face barriers to education and jobs or do not have a high school diploma.

About 25 percent of Hartford’s young people are Opportunity Youth.

“The Summer Youth Employment Program is an important part of our broader effort to make sure young people in Hartford get the opportunities, the mentorship, and the experience they need to build a career,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.

SYELP is introducing some changes for 2022, including adding mental health services to ensure local youth have access to mental health supports such as preventative education, skill-building measures and treatment to improve mental well-being.

“SYLEP offers vital training and learning experience for young people across the region, building their skills and helping them to start successful careers,” said New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart.

Stewart serves as the chairperson of the consortium of chief elected officials at Capital Workforce Partners.

“SYELP is not just a summer job, it’s a step toward a brighter future for youth in our communities,” she said.

To learn more about SYELP, visit https://capitalworkforce.org/syelp.