More than 800 youths in Hartford will gain job experience this summer by participating in the 2025 Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program (SYELP), city officials said Tuesday.
The youths are among 1,200 throughout the north-central region of the state participating in the program, which is led by Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) in collaboration with the state, city, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and a coalition of public and private partners.
With over $4.4 million in combined investments to the region, $2.9 million will target the program in Hartford to provide paid job experiences, career readiness training, and support services to youths ages 14–24.
To support the program, the state Department of Labor’s CT Youth Employment Program provided $1.1 million, the city of Hartford contributed $1 million, and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving awarded a $400,000 grant.
An additional $1.7 million from the state will supplement funding to Hartford and support youths in municipalities throughout the region.
From July 2 through Aug. 31, SYELP will place young people in career-exploration opportunities in retail, education and health care. Participants will get real-world work experience, resume-building, professional development and, in many cases, their first paid job, officials said.
This summer in Hartford the program has targeted reconnecting high-risk and academically disconnected students. In partnership with Hartford Public Schools, CWP has coordinated program activities with credit recovery programming to support students who are repeating ninth grade, or are in their final year but lack sufficient credits to graduate.
A group of students will be co-enrolled in SYELP and credit recovery initiatives to ensure academic and career readiness.
The SYELP employment providers in Hartford include the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Hartford; Center for Latino Progress; Community Renewal Team; ReadyCT; Our Piece of the Pie; and YWCA of Hartford.
Alex Johnson, president and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners, said the program is an important investment in the future.
“Every summer, we see young people discover their potential, gain confidence, and explore the professional world,” he said. “This program gives them the tools to succeed and strengthens our region’s long-term talent pipeline.”
