In order to ensure ample internship opportunities exist for interested area youth, officials from the city of Rochester and Monroe County are asking businesses to participate in the Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP) and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

The SOOP, a city program, and SYEP, administered by the county, work in conjunction with RochesterWorks to provide summer jobs for youth ages 14-20.

“Every young person who wants a job should be able to get a job, and the community partners in our Summer of Opportunity and Summer Youth Employment programs are the ones who make that possible,” Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said in a news release.

“Employers who participate in these programs give our youth an invaluable gift of an early start on learning how to work in a professional environment and developing the principles of a successful career.”

Over the years participating employers have included those in the fields of advanced manufacturing, culinary arts, health care, hospitality and multimedia production.

Interns work 20 hours each week for six weeks and receive weekly stipends from the city and county. Employers provide meaningful and structured work experiences to provide early exposure to relevant career paths as well as basic skills for career success.

“Local employers who participate in these programs will get the benefit of some extra help during the summer while developing our local workforce for the future,” County Executive Adam Bello said.

Youth or employers looking to participate can find more information, as well as a link to the application process, on the program website, or by calling 585-428-6366.

To be eligible for an internship, youth must be enrolled in school or actively seeking a high school equivalency, and have a New York State work permit.

[email protected]/(585) 653-4020

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