News » Beacon Kids Take to Albany to Campaign for Summer Jobs

University Settlement's Beacon program took 5 teens to Albany on Feb 1 to participate in Youth Action Day. This year's campaign focused on saving the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) -- a program that currently provides more than 50,000 jobs for NYC youth each summer. Youth employed by SYEP often work in various summer day camps throughout the City, providing day-long, enriching activities for elementary-aged children whose families might not otherwise be able to afford care. The State budget for next year includes $0 for SYEP, meaning a potentially drastic reduction in jobs for youth.

Beacon teens met with State Senator Daniel Squadron and NY State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to speak about the importance of summer jobs. 

Beacon youth meet with NY State Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver

Youth from all over New York City gather in Albany for Youth Action Day.  This year's campaign was for the Summer Youth Employment Program, which currently provides more than 50,000 jobs to NYC youth each summer.