Fenty Extends Summer Youth Employment Program Through End of Summer

Today, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, joined by Department of Employment Services (DOES) Director Summer Spencer, announced that the successful Mayor's Summer Youth Program (SYP) will be extended through the beginning of the school year, offering District youth the opportunity to continue job training and earn additional income through the end of the summer. The Fenty Administration will submit a reprogramming for the necessary $4-5 million to fund the program extension, with current program cost estimates expected to shift due to attrition. The program was scheduled to end on August 3.

Upon assuming office in January, Fenty committed to providing every teen the opportunity for summer employment. This year's program registered 14,865 young people, the most participants in more than a decade and nearly 50 percent more than the 2006 program. The administration identified additional funds prior to the beginning of the program to support the dramatic increase in job seekers.

“Opportunity for the District's youth is my top priority and career training and superior educational opportunities are two sides of the same coin," said Fenty. "We have an obligation to ensure that learning takes place not only in the classroom, but also through mentoring and other life-skills training. The program also gives our kids a constructive and productive outlet during the summer months."

The 2007 SYP was originally budgeted for 10,000 participants in the FY07 budget and was incoming DOES Director Summer Spencer's first major initiative.

"This was a huge undertaking for the District government and one that has benefited so many young people around the city," said Spencer. "We are already thinking about how we can make the program even better in 2008."

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) is dedicated to helping District youth make a smooth transition into the workforce. The 2007 Passport-to-Work Summer Youth Program (SYP) offers