grants, training, information, and supports for success in today’s economy

For general questions about Youth Services or program eligibility:

Henrene Brown, Youth Career Services Specialist

Email Henrene or call (585) 258-3500 ext. 3552

For questions about the Youth Navigator program or to schedule an appointment:

Yolanda Cubero, Youth Career Services Navigator

Email Yolanda or call (585) 258-3500 ext 6040

Aja Love, Youth Career Services Navigator

Email Aja or call (585) 258-3500 ext 7521

• Resource Room with computers, printers, copier, fax machine, phone, and accessible technology
• On demand e-learning courses
• Individualized skills and career interest assessments
• Live workshops
• Job Search and Career reference library

Use our Youth Navigator Screening Survey to start the process. A RochesterWorks team member will follow-up on your submission within 2 - 3 business days. 

Teens and young adults ages 17 to 24 who are not currently enrolled in school are eligible for Youth Services if any of the following apply:

• English Language Learner*
• Homeless / Runaway
• Foster Care
• Pregnant or Parenting
• Justice-Involved
• Physical, Mental, or Learning Disability
• No High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Basic Skills Deficient based on a TABE or other skills assessment*

*You must also have a household income at or below the 200% poverty guidelines based on your household size.

• High School Equivalency / TASC
• Occupational Skills Training
• Leadership Development
• Financial Literacy Education
• Entrepreneurship & Small Business Skills Training
• 6-8 weeks of paid work experience through the Youth Employment Program (YEP)
• Tailored Workforce Preparation
• Transportation Assistance – Up to $550 in RTS bus passes and/or gas cards
• Up to $300 in work readiness assistance for work uniforms, work attire, work-related tools, educational testing, employment or training-related applications, tests, and certifications, etc.
• Referrals for up to $300 in childcare dollars from the Strengthening Working Families Initiative (SWFI)
• Follow-Up services for one year after program completion, tailored to your needs
• Counseling services such as Mental Health or Mentoring through our partner referral network
• Funding up to $5,000 for a post-secondary degree or certification in a demand occupation, including the Sharp Edgez Barbering program

Youth Navigator services are provided to out of school youth, age 17 – 24, by a collaborative network of 19 staff members across six community-based, faith-based, government, and other nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Rochester area. Each Navigator and their partner agency collaborate to provide supportive services. Some of our current partners include Monroe 2—Orleans BOCES, Refugees Helping Refugees, Starbridge Services, The Center for Youth Services, The Community Place of Greater Rochester, and Urban League of Rochester.

If you're interested in the ROC SEEDS program and would like to apply or learn more, you can find details on the application process, timeline, required documents, and more at rocseeds.org

Age 18 - 24: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 24 years old on the day they submit their application.
 

Not In School: Applicants cannot be currently enrolled in a high school, TASC (GED), college, or certification/training program
 

Income Eligible: Applicants must fall within the 2020 - 2021 Poverty Guidelines. See if your household income qualifies here.
 

City of Rochester Resident: All applicants must live in the City of Rochester. Preference will be given to applicants in the following zip codes: 14605, 14606, 14608, 14609, 14611, 14613, 14615, 14619, and 14621

Safety, Economic Empowerment, Development, and Support

If you're interested in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and would like to apply or learn more, you can find details on the application process, timeline, required documents, and more at https://rocsummeryouth.com.

What Jobs are Available?
Each eligible youth’s job will be dependent on their age and eligibility (among other factors). All students will be interviewing and competing for the positions available. Youth who are offered employment through these programs will work in recreation centers, community-based organizations, colleges, or private and public organizations throughout the community. View a list of programs and worksites from previous years here.

Can I apply even though I don’t have an updated Work Permit?
Yes. The first step is to complete the online application.  If the applicant does not have a work permit, they must upload all other required documents. The SYEP and SOOP team will place the file on hold until the work permit is received.  Once the applicant submits the work permit, their file will be reviewed based on where we are in the approval process.
A current Work Permit will be required prior to job placement. No exceptions!
Note: You must have an updated physical in order to get a work permit, so please apply early.

Can I apply even if I am going to summer school/TASC (GED)?
Yes, but available working hours/opportunities may be limited.

Should I apply even if I don’t have 90% attendance at my school or program? 
Yes, however, employers know that a student’s school attendance is an indication of your attendance on the job. Make every effort to attend school every day!

Can I apply if I am not in middle school, high school, or a TASC/GED program (i.e. I am a college student)?
No. The Summer Youth Employment Program is not open to college students. 

Are there any income guidelines/requirements?
Summer positions are funded through a variety of sources. Dependent upon the requirements attached to these sources we may require income and/or residency verification (i.e. address, public assistance, free/reduced lunch, foster care, and family income at or below the 200% poverty guidelines). It is extremely important that all necessary income information is noted on the parent signature page in order to match the youth with the appropriate opportunity. Incomplete applications will be considered as over-income guidelines.

Why do I have to provide my financial information?
A portion of the program is publicly funded and requires supporting documentation. In most cases in order for a youth to participate, confirmation that household income meets the eligibility guidelines is required. Under these guidelines, everyone working in the home must be noted on the income section of the parent signature page. It is not necessary to bring proof of income with the required documentation. If there are questions, you may be required to submit proof of income at a later date.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is available to teens and young adults who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Between the ages of 14-20 years old on May 31 of the current year
• Currently enrolled in middle or high school or a TASC (GED) program
• Not a college student
• Live within the City of Rochester or Monroe County*
  County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet 200% of the current year's poverty guidelines to be eligible

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a government-funded program, operated by RochesterWorks in collaboration with the City of Rochester’s Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP), which provides youth with six weeks of paid work experience through work sites and programs all across Monroe County.