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Dozens benefit from summer youth employment
About 225 students were “hired” under this year’s Summer Youth Employment program (SYEP), working at an array jobs with nearly 30 different local schools, agencies and businesses.

Funded through the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, SYEP provides youth between the ages of 14 and 20 with paid summer employment for up to six weeks in July and August. Jobs this year include work at the Broome County Parks Department, Broome County Urban League, Opportunities for Broome, Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton, Camp Sertoma and many others.

In addition to receiving a paycheck, participants get training at BOCES in the various soft skills associated with seeking and maintaining employment, including interviewing techniques, resume building and general workplace etiquette. Prospective applicants are first identified by the Department of Social Services and then undergo an application and interview process to gain acceptance.

 
“It is so exciting to provide the youth of Broome and Tioga Counties the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn marketable job skills while they earn money to further their education,” said Laurie Hahl, a work experience coordinator for Broome-Tioga BOCES.

The program concluded with a community fair in BOCES’ main gymnasium that featured representatives from approximately 25 local agencies and support groups who offered advice and information on a variety of topics, from healthy lifestyles to financial planning.

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