The Work-Based Learning/Summer Youth Employment Program (WBL/SYEP) is a joint venture between Travis County Health and Human Services and Austin Public Health (City of Austin) that targets youth between the ages of 14 to 17 (14 to 22 for youth with disabilities) (youth must be 14 years of age no later than April 1, 2020), who reside in the City of Austin and/or Travis County, and enrolled and attending school. Youth are recruited and referred through a number of avenues such as faith-based, non-profit, and community-based organizations. Other referrals are made through media (community access), public service announcements, schools and the community-at-large.
The opportunity for young people to develop competence and confidence as well as workplace skills in a “real-world of work” environment is provided through the Work-Based Learning/Summer Youth Employment Program. Youth will be exposed to career awareness and exploration while developing their career plans and a commitment to lifelong learning. The program expands young people’s choices in life by preparing them with necessary workforce skills needed to succeed as citizens and productive employees. Youth have the opportunity to experience the application of academics in the “real-world of work” and learn job-specific skills while being offered interaction with positive, successful adult role models who provide guidance in setting and achieving goals.
A key prerequisite of WBL/SYEP includes Job-Readiness Training. Youth will gain the experience of applying for a job and earning a paycheck in a nurturing environment with adult support and supervision. The opportunity to work an average of 96 hours in one of two 5-week sessions during the summer will be offered to youth participants. Each youth employee is provided with a broad range of projects in work settings within the City of Austin and Travis County, non-profit organizations, and private businesses.
Parents can register youth for Job Readiness Training beginning January 6, 2020 by calling 512‑854‑4590. All training must be completed by March 20, 2020.
Read the public service assignment (PDF).
