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Mayor Bowser Launches 2015 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program

Friday, January 30, 2015

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser officially launched the District of Columbia’s 2015 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). The program will provide six weeks of meaningful employment and work-readiness training to District youth ages 14 to 21. The application is available online at www.summerjobs.dc.gov

“I am so excited to present the new Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program in honor of the program’s founder, devoted youth advocate, and District of Columbia’s ‘Mayor for Life,’ Marion Barry,” said Mayor Bowser. “I pledge that the Mayor Marion S. Barry SYEP will uphold the principles and mission that Marion Barry envisioned for this program; to ensure all youth in the District of Columbia are offered the opportunity to get a summer job and earn meaningful, quality work skills that will last them a lifetime.” 

During this event, Mayor Bowser announced her appointment of Deborah Carroll to be Director of the Department of Employment Services and Dionne Burkett as the Director of the DC Youth Advisory Council.

As a councilmember, Mayor Bowser introduced the “Kids Ride Free” bill that extended transportation support to SYEP participants. Mayor Bowser has announced her plans to ask the Council to expand SYEP funding to include young people up to the age of 24.

BACKGROUND:
SYEP is an initiative that provides District youth with enriching and constructive summer work experiences through placements in the private and government sectors. Mayor Bowser signed a Mayor's Order on January 14, 2015, renaming the program the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program in honor of former mayor and SYEP founder Marion Barry.

Through SYEP, District youth gain the opportunity to:

  • Earn money and meaningful work experience;
  • Learn and develop the skills, attitudes, and commitment necessary to succeed;
  • Gain exposure to various exciting career industries; and
  • Interact with dynamic working professionals in a positive work environment.

Online applications for SYEP will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be received by Saturday, February 20, 2015. Space is limited, so youth are encouraged to apply early.