Summer Youth Employment Program

The City of Pine Bluff's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is dedicated to empowering young people through meaningful employment, valuable job training, and community engagement. Designed for youth ages 16 to 21, SYEP offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while making a difference in their city.

Our Mission

Our goal is to equip Pine Bluff's youth with the skills and experience needed to succeed in today's workforce. We provide:

• Paid summer employment

• Real-world job experience

• Personal and professional development

• Community service opportunities

Participants are trained in key areas such as professional appearance, business etiquette, money management, workplace conduct, and communication.

Program Overview

SYEP is a six-week program that typically runs from the second week in June through the end of July. Youth are placed in entry-level roles across local government offices, nonprofit organizations, county departments, and small businesses.

Job placements are determined during the interview process and are matched to each participant's career interests. Our team of summer youth coordinators-led by a senior coordinator-facilitates all placements and provides ongoing support.

Workshops & Training

Every Friday, youth employees attend mandatory workshops covering essential life and career skills, including:

1. Program Orientation

2. Workplace Readiness

3. Financial Literacy

4. Higher Education Exploration

5. Career Planning

6. Résumé and Cover Letter Writing

7. Interview Techniques

Paychecks are issued bi-weekly, with distribution taking place every other Friday following the workshop.

Giving Back: Community Service Projects

Beyond the workplace, SYEP participants engage in impactful service projects through our "Giving Back Project." Youth have donated supplies and time to organizations such as:

• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

• Neighbor to Neighbor

• Davis Life Care Center