This is part one of a three-part series written by CLASP and the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions. Summer Youth Employment Programs (SYEPs) offer short-term, paid opportunities for youth and young adults to gain career exposure, training, and work experience.

These programs have been shown to improve participants’ economic, academic, and behavioral outcomes. Drawing on our survey of 73 SYEP providers and local public funders, this series is designed to provide policymakers, local systems leaders, and practitioners with insight into how SYEPs responded in 2020 to the economic and health challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Summer Youth Employment Programs 2020 Part 2: Challenges

Summer Youth Employment Programs 2020 Part 3: Innovations and Promising Practices