Employment

THE CITY OF EVANSTON YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT JOB TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The City of Evanston’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) began in 1992. At the time, community members noted that Evanston youth were facing several challenges, including limited employment opportunities and a lack of organized activities and fresh initiatives to occupy their time and energy. Youth violence and gang activity grew as youth found fewer outlets for positive activities. In response to this crisis, Evanston community leaders and residents came together to create City Proclamation 32-R-92. This proclamation created the SYEP.

From 1992-2010, the SYEP provided jobs and positive learning experiences for Evanston youth. Over 2,500 youth found entry-level employment working for various City of Evanston departments and numerous community partners.

In early September 2010, the City Manager shifted the supervision of the SYEP to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (P/R/CS) Department. Staff realized, due to community input, that the SYEP needed to be updated to meet the changing needs of the community and that a year-round educational component, as well as job training and placement, were critically important. The program will now be known as the Youth and Young Adult Job Training and Employment Program. The summer component will be known as the Youth Employment Program (YEP).


For further information, copies of forms, etc., contact Sol Anderson, Youth Employment Coordinator, at 847-448-8049 or sanderson@cityofevanston.org