Summer Youth Employment Program Receives $250K Financial Boost

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Even more teens and young adults across the county can participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program, which recently was tapped to receive $250,000 in funding from Howard County.

The paid program focuses on teaching teens and young adults job readiness skills and offers career exploration with local businesses, nonprofits and government partners. Since its launch in 2018, Howard County’s Summer Youth Employment Program has grown from 13 participants and six participating worksites to hundreds of youth and 65 worksites. The new funding will allow the program to grow and include 300 participants in 2025.

"Our empowering Summer Youth Employment Program is a model for other communities on how to empower, train, prepare and upskill our young residents who are looking to join the workforce. This vital program provides participants with the opportunity to learn key skills and gain a better understanding of the different career paths they may pursue. With this invaluable funding, we are supporting the growth and hands-on experience of our future workforce," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

To be eligible for the program, participants must be a Howard County resident, between the ages of 14 and 24 by July 1 and legally eligible to work in the United States. The six-week program runs this summer from July 1 to Aug. 9.

"Participating in SYEP has been a valuable part of my last two summers. Having the opportunity to support small businesses in my community, earn a wage, and learn skills that are applicable in the workforce has been amazing. I was able to even get a reference from my site supervisor. The connections that I’ve made through this program are invaluable and I’m very thankful for the opportunity," said Ann-Michaela Doe, a 2024 Howard County Summer Youth Program participant.