Picente Kicks Off 2026 Oneida County Summer Youth Employment Program View

Several hundred Oneida County teenagers took their first step toward future careers today at the Oneida County Summer Youth Employment Program's Work Readiness Day.

"The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a chance for local at-risk youth to seize a new opportunity and move toward a prosperous future," said County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., who spoke at Monday's kickoff event at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica. "Our program places these youth at hands-on sites to develop teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills, and prepares them to become productive employees with thriving careers."

The program provides youth ages 14-18 with real-world work experience. This year, approximately 450 youth will be placed at work sites around the county to beautify parks and recreation centers, plant community gardens and help operate community programs serving children.

Picente was joined Monday by Assembly members Brian Miller and Marianne Buttenschon, Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Executive Director Evon Erwin, SUNY Poly Chief Diversity Officer Mark Montgomery, Utica Police Officer Joshua Sweet, Mohawk Valley Community College Executive Dean of Community and Workforce Development Sarah Lam and Oneida County Workforce Development Director David Mathis.

"This program teaches our young adults the skills they need to succeed in the workplace," Picente said. "But success extends beyond the job. We want our youth to understand that the qualities that drive success at work-responsibility, communication, commitment and perseverance-are the same qualities that lead to success in life."

This year's SYEP work sites include Adirondack Central School District, 50 Forward Mohawk Valley, Johnson Park Center, People First, Resource Center for Independent Living and Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency.

Most youth work between 15 and 20 hours per week over four to six weeks. To be eligible, they must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and meet certain income criteria

"The Summer Youth Employment Program fills a vital niche for youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity to work," Mathis said. "It provides them with meaningful work experience and helps them earn money their families can use. This program makes a difference in the lives of the teenagers who will be the backbone of our community and our workforce."

The SYEP is funded by New York State.