East Hudson Valley News

Poughkeepsie — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino congratulated the 158 young participants who completed the Department of Community and Family Services’ (DCFS) weeks-long Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Coordinated by the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB), the SYEP aims to provide valuable work experience and life skills to help young people prepare for future employment.

County Executive Sue Serino stated, “Congratulations to all the students who took part in our Summer Youth Employment Program! These young men and women have demonstrated a strong desire to learn and succeed in the workplace, and as they move forward, I am confident they will bring the experience, knowledge, and confidence they gained this summer. As someone who did not take the ‘traditional’ path, I applaud these students for taking the initiative to participate and learn the necessary skills to help thrive in the workplace. I look forward to seeing where the future takes them!”

The annual SYEP is available to qualified students aged 14 to 20 whose families qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program spans six to eight weeks, covering topics such as teamwork, problem-solving, fiscal management concepts, communication skills, goal setting, employment strategies, and stress management.

In addition to training sessions, students receive job placements and mentorship opportunities. Participants work an average of 20 hours per week at local organizations and businesses throughout July and August. Weekly gatherings allow students to discuss their workplace successes and learn from each other's experiences.

Job placements immerse students in various industries through partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies. This exposure helps participants discover potential career paths. This year’s partners included Megabrain Comics in Red Hook, Candy O’s Sweet Shop in Millerton, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Pine Plains Free Library among others.

The program concluded with a Youth Summit graduation event at Dutchess BOCES in Salt Point. The event featured a career fair with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Workshops led by business owners focused on enhancing skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, and conflict resolution.

DCWIB Executive Director Louise McLoughlin remarked, “The Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board is delighted to again collaborate with the Department of Community & Family Services to provide this meaningful program that positively impacts numerous young people. This summer, the graduates have acquired essential lifelong skills which we hope they will keep refining as they transition to life after school.”

DCFS allocated $601,494 from federally funded TANF programs for this year's SYEP.

DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka commented, “The Summer Youth Employment Program aims to provide a positive work experience and prepare participants for what they can expect to find in a job setting while exposing them to diverse career paths. By completing this year’s program, our graduates are now better equipped for higher education or the workforce having gained practical skills expanded their networks built a strong sense of responsibility; all which help them become self-sufficient independent adults.”