ATLANTA — Outcomes of the second annual Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) are in, and to sum it up, Mayor Andre Dickens is "filled with gratitude" and excited to continue the effort in 2024.
The SYEP report said that:
- 5,418 youth registered for the program
- 5,135 were hired
- 157 employers registered for the program
On average, the hourly wage was $17.27.
“To sum it up, the Summer Youth Employment Program is not just about jobs; it is about hope, aspirations and a solid commitment to our city’s youth,” Dickens said. “As I reflect on the incredible accomplishments of this program, I am filled with gratitude and optimism for the future.”
The top industries that Atlanta youth were hired into were construction, education, food, and beverage, with most participants being Black girls.
“Youth ventured beyond the conventional, immersing themselves in high-demand fields like augmented reality, robotics, coding, and even our city’s flourishing airport and film industries," City of Atlanta Chief of Staff Odie Donald II said.
Atlanta youth were given many opportunities for growth and community in the hopes of reducing youth-related crimes. Compared to 2022, the report says that arrests are down 14% and that violent crimes committed by youth are down 28%.
"Alongside these practical experiences, the holistic development they received through soft skills training, entrepreneurship modules and STEM education has set them on a path of endless possibilities," Donald II said.
In 2024, Dickens is planning to expand partnerships and establish apprenticeships, customized training, and on-the-job learning. The mayor also is aiming to track those who register better by asking for more information bout their experience. To read the full report, head here.
