Rochester and Monroe County launch unified summer jobs program offering paid internships for youth ages 14 to 20

Rochester, New York – The Rochester and Monroe County are inviting local youth to apply for paid summer work opportunities through a newly unified initiative designed to build job skills and prepare young people for future careers. The ROC Youth Employment Network is now accepting applications from youth ages 14 through 20 through Friday, April 17.

The new program name and streamlined application combine the City’s Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP) and the County’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), creating a single entry point for students seeking summer work experience.

Administered in partnership with RochesterWorks, the program offers six to eight weeks of paid internships for youth currently enrolled in middle school or high school, or those actively pursuing a high school equivalency diploma. Applicants must be at least 14 years old at the time of application.

Building job skills and future opportunities

Participants gain workplace experience, develop professional skills, and build confidence while earning money. Past 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 months—and what better way than building career skills while earning money,” said 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.”

Adam Bello emphasized the broader impact of youth employment opportunities.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Dave Seeley, Executive Director of RochesterWorks, highlighted the program’s growth and impact.

“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,” Seeley said. “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.”

Application requirements and support

Applicants must submit required documents digitally before the April 17 deadline. Required materials include a work permit, Social Security card, most recent school report card, and official photo identification such as a school ID, driver license, non-driver ID, or Safe Child ID.

To help applicants complete the process, program administrators will host five in-person document support events:

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

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

• March 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., RochesterWorks Career Center

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

• April 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., RochesterWorks Career Center

After submitting an application, participants may interview for paid summer internships. Selection is competitive and placement is not guaranteed.

Youth and families can apply or learn more at www.ROCYouthEmployment.com or by calling the ROC Youth Employment Hotline at 585-428-6366.

City and county leaders say the program represents a strong investment in Rochester’s young people, offering practical experience, mentorship, and a pathway toward future success while strengthening the community as a whole.