Summer draws closer and closer, and if you’re a student between the ages of 14-24 or a parent, chances are that you have questions about the path ahead. CASW is a proud provider of SYEP in both the Bronx and Manhattan – so we’re prepared to serve young people and their families every step of the way. And that means answering your most frequently asked questions:
1. I applied for SYEP in the Bronx. How do I know if I got selected?
SYEP selection is done by lottery. If you applied and selected CASW as your provider, you will be notified by phone and email at the contact information you provided in your application. You can also check your application status at nyc.gov/dycd. The SYEP application deadline was March 13, 2026. If you were not selected, CASW still has workforce programming and support available this summer.
2. What SYEP providers are available in Washington Heights and Inwood?
CASW is one of the longest-serving SYEP providers in Washington Heights and Inwood, with documented service at over 70 locations in the community going back decades. Other providers in the area include Catholic Charities Community Services at 515 West 182nd Street, the YM-YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, and Inwood Community Services. CASW’s deep roots in this community make us a trusted first choice for families in Upper Manhattan.
3. Can I do SYEP if I have summer school?
No. If you have mandatory summer school obligations, you cannot participate in SYEP. SYEP runs five days a week for six weeks in July and August, and attendance is required every day. If you complete summer school before SYEP begins or your schedule does not conflict, speak with your provider directly.
4. What happens if I miss days during SYEP?
There is no pay for absences in SYEP, whether excused or not. Attendance is critical. If you need to miss a day, you must contact your worksite supervisor and your CASW coordinator before 9 a.m. Consistent absences can result in removal from the program. CASW staff are here to support you if you face challenges during the summer.
5. What industries are available for SYEP participants in upper Manhattan and the Bronx?
SYEP offers placements across a wide range of industries, including business and finance, fashion, technology, arts and culture, healthcare, media and entertainment, advertising and marketing, legal services, real estate, hospitality, education and nonprofit work. CASW matches older youth ages 16-24 with worksites that align with their stated career interests.
6. Is SYEP available for undocumented youth in NYC?
Eligibility for undocumented youth varies by SYEP provider. CASW encourages any interested youth to contact us directly at (718) 542-9343 or visit caswkids.org so we can help determine eligibility and explore available options. Every young person in our community deserves support.
7. When does SYEP start and end in summer 2026?
SYEP 2026 runs for six weeks in July and August, with participants working up to 25 hours per week. Older youth ages 16-24 earn $17.00 per hour. Younger youth ages 14-15 receive a stipend. Participants are paid weekly by debit card or direct deposit.
8. My teen got into SYEP but has never worked before. How do I prepare them?
CASW offers SYEP Work Readiness Training before the program starts. This training covers professional behavior, workplace communication, how to read a timesheet, how to interact with supervisors and what to expect on the job. Youth who go through work readiness preparation feel more confident on day one. Contact CASW to find out when our next training session is scheduled.
9. What is Ladders for Leaders and how is it different from regular SYEP?
Ladders for Leaders is a professional internship component of SYEP for high-achieving high school and college students. It connects youth with competitive internships at leading companies like IAC, EmblemHealth, Accenture, Memorial Sloan Kettering and the New York Mets, among others. Participants go through pre-employment training before placement. It is part of the SYEP umbrella but offers a more intensive, professional experience than community-based SYEP worksites.
10. Can my 14-year-old do SYEP at a real worksite or only project-based learning?
Youth ages 14-15 participate in the Younger Youth cohort of SYEP, which is project-based learning rather than traditional worksite placement. Groups of 25-40 young people choose a theme — such as civic advocacy, social justice or environmental issues — and develop projects throughout the summer. This is a paid, structured experience. Youth ages 16-24 are placed at traditional worksites.
