ROC Youth Employment Network Applications Now Open

The City of Rochester and Monroe County invite area youth, ages 14 through 20, to apply for the summer work experience through the ROC Youth Employment Network now through Friday, April 17. The new name and streamlined application unify the City’s Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP) and the County’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

Administered in partnership with RochesterWorks, the program offers six to eight weeks of paid internships for youth who are currently enrolled in middle school or high school, or who are actively pursuing their high school equivalency diploma, and who are at least 14 years old at the time of their application. Program participants learn skills that prepare them for the workforce and academic success. Past participating employers have included the City of Rochester, community organizations, colleges, and local businesses.

“Rochester’s young people should have every opportunity to stay active and engaged over the summer month —and what better way than building career skills while earning money,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “The City’s Summer of Opportunity Program has long been that stepping stone for students preparing for a prosperous future. I’m pleased that our ongoing partnership with Monroe County will continue to thrive under the new name, ROC Youth Employment Network.”

“Summer jobs are investments in our young people and in our community. They provide paychecks, practical experience, new skills, and meaningful mentorship that open doors to future careers,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “I’m grateful to Mayor Evans and RochesterWorks for partnering with us to launch the ROC Youth Employment Network and simplify the application process. By working together, we’re giving the next generation the head start they need to build bright, successful futures.”

“RochesterWorks is proud of our long-standing relationship with the City of Rochester and Monroe County as administrators of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), now under the umbrella of the ROC Youth Employment Network,” said Dave Seeley, Executive Director, RochesterWorks. “Last summer alone, working together, we were able to provide well-paying jobs and work experience for 785 local youth. This summer, we anticipate the number of youth that we’ll be able to serve through the ROC Youth Employment Network will rise. We are looking forward to this being a great summer for all involved.”

The application process requires youth to submit the following documents digitally prior to the April 17 deadline: a work permit; social security card; the most recent school report card; and official photo I.D. (such as a school I.D., driver license; non-driver I.D., or a Safe Child I.D.).

If applicants would like assistance in uploading digital copies of these documents to the application portal using their personal devices, program administrators will hold five in-person document support events:

• Tuesday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., RochesterWorks Career Center, 96 College Ave, Suite 120

• Thursday, Feb. 19, 2 to 6 p.m., Loretta C. Scott Center for Human Services, 57 St. Paul St.

• Tuesday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., RochesterWorks Career Center, 96 College Ave, Suite 120

• Thursday, April 2, 2 to 6 p.m., Loretta C. Scott Center for Human Services, 57 St. Paul St.

• Tuesday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., RochesterWorks Career Center, 96 College Ave, Suite 120

Upon completion of the application, participants will have the opportunity to interview for paid summer work experience and internships. Selection for this program is competitive and placements are not guaranteed.

To apply or learn more, visit www.ROCYouthEmployment.com or call the ROC Youth Employment Hotline at 585-428-6366.