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(Newark, NJ) – On July 6, Mayor Ras J. Baraka launched Newark Summer 2022 with multiple local and national philanthropic supporters, representatives of the business and university communities, and youth program participants Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

Newark SYEP provides the city’s youth with a combination of career exploration, financial empowerment, workplace readiness training, paid work experience, mentoring and mentoring, and year-round touchpoints to continually reinforce effective career development behaviors – in Newark Leveling relations between Grams and suburban peers. Mayor Baraka’s leadership in building a strong public-private partnership that brings together city, state and private funding has enabled the City of Newark to enroll 3,000 youth, triple the number before his presidency, making it Becoming the largest program of its kind in New Jersey. Newark SYEP has repeatedly gained national attention as a model program from the White House to most recently JP Morgan Chase. Spotlight on Newark In May, a $20 million investment in summer youth employment programs was made nationwide.

“As a former SYEP participant, I have seen first-hand the benefits of the program and am committed to using every opportunity to invest in our youth and prepare them to be the future leaders of the city,” said Mayor Barakah . “The programme levels the playing field and provides our young people with high-quality opportunities that will make them competitive in our rapidly changing economy. SYEP builds the structure we need to ensure our Children are empowered to achieve dreams they won’t achieve “Without our support, we can succeed. We thank our partners who have pledged to support our youth in this important project. “

The expected overall impact of SYEP is to increase the success of young people in gaining gainful employment and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty, enabling their families to be financially stable and their communities to build wealth. Over a six-week period between July and August, up to 3,000 Newarkians aged 14 to 24 were provided with opportunities for learning and employment experiences that will help them with their future career goals. Our multi-faceted approach helps participants identify their strengths and assets, understand different career paths, and make informed and personalized decisions on their path to success in today’s workforce.

The only city in New Jersey to continue robust planning through a blended learning and earning model during the COVID-19 pandemic, Newark will return to in-person employment opportunities for young people this year. Key industries include: Arts; Early Childhood Development; Education; Entrepreneurship; Environment; IT; Marketing; Media; Music; Social Justice, Advocacy and Activism; and STEM. In addition to the educational component of the program, the Newark SYEP team has partnered to provide comprehensive resources directly to families and ensure teens have the skills and nutrition they need to succeed.

A growing body of research shows the benefits of youth employment programmes in meeting future workforce needs, filling significant ‘skills gaps’, advancing higher education attainment and health and safety, while providing youth and their families with the income they need , as well as strengthening Newark’s economy. As the City of Newark continues its commitment to building a safe and healthy community through the Mayor’s “Meet Again” initiative this summer, SYEP provides an important lifeline for young people to learn, earn and gain access to otherwise inaccessible Chance.

“Summer jobs aren’t just about pay. It’s our opportunity to integrate job preparation, financial health, and time management into young people’s lives. SYEP is a rewarding place for many to find real career paths and get involved,” says Martha, Director of Youth Programs at NewarkWORKS Armstrong said.

The Newark Summer Youth Employment Program is a collective effort involving many philanthropic supporters. Grant funding partners that make this program possible include AT&T; Bank of America; Capital One; Urban Financial Empowerment Fund; Citi Foundation; Edison Properties Newark Foundation; New Jersey Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield through its charities Horizon Foundation of New Jersey; JPMorgan Chase; M&T Bank; Mach Charitable Foundation; MCJ Amelior Foundation; Prudential Foundation; PSEG Foundation; RWJ Barnabas Health; Santander; New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development; TD Philanthropies Foundation; Victoria Foundation; Wells Fargo; nearly $2.5 million.

“Summer work experiences play an important role in helping young people achieve greater financial stability for themselves and their families,” said Brandy McHale, Citi’s Director of Community Investment and Development and President of the Citi Foundation. “The Citi Foundation is proud to support cities. The work of the Financial Empowerment Fund connects Newark’s young people with summer jobs, giving them the opportunity to develop valuable workplace and money management skills that will serve them throughout their careers.”

Newark SYEP has nearly 100 program partners from universities and the business community, non-profit organizations and city government departments. These include The Gem Project, Exponential Wells Institute, Student Dreams, OppNet Summer Science Research Program, Union Park One, Westside High School Urban Planning Institute, Jersey Cares, Yendor Murals, New Jersey Children’s Hospital Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark Police Explorer, Essex County College Prep, Seton Hall, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-Newark, Abbott Leadership Institute, School of Can, Newark Home Emergency Services, Newark Makers, Level Field Consulting, Programs for Parents, Panasonic, SHE Wins, Inc., NJ Healthcare Employers – District 1199J, Club Houses, Greater Newark Conservation Areas, and Multiple City Departments, etc.