For over six decades, New York City has been offering the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), the most expansive of its kind in the nation. The East Village Design District Foundation is elated to announce that starting this summer, it will be hosting its first ever SYEP session. SYEP is unique to NYC not just due to its enrollment size, but also because it offers opportunities for career exploration, interest discovery, and community building. This SYEP session is made possible thanks to funding from the Department of Youth and Community (DYCD) in collaboration with CAMBA and Catholic Charities.
Youth, with ages ranging from 16-21, hold an internship at the EVDD Foundation this summer, will have special opportunities to integrate creativity and imagination within their role. While internship roles range in subject from research, social media, outreach, to local resource acquisition, these titles are flexible and expansive. Interns will be encouraged to pitch ideas, create their own schedule, and collaborate with their peers. Additionally, interns will be provided with the tools necessary in order to complete their work appropriately. The EVDD Foundation hopes that by using this open ended approach, they can aid participants in their professional growth journey, overall confidence, and resilience.
Here’s an inside look at what just three roles entail:
AI Research Assistant:
With the goal of ethical engagement and advancing the EVDD Foundation’s mission, the AI Research Assistant will be given access to explore Google Gemini and Antigravity. They will have the opportunity to develop something of their own. This project is open-ended and can have the end result of anything from an app to a program, the intern possesses full creative control.
Social Media Assistant:
Understanding that community can be located and fostered via social media, the Social Media Assistant will have the opportunity to research and implement growth methods for the EVDD Foundation in the virtual realm. The intern can utilize Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok in order to increase exposure and awareness surrounding the organization. Like all of the internship positions available, creative freedom is ensured.
Resources Research Assistant:
Attempting to increase EVDD Foundation’s direct impact and advance the organization’s mission, the Resources Research Assistant will be responsible for locating and noting local services and programs that can bolster EVDD Foundation’s influence. These resources may include grants, food, mental health assistance, and other materials.
EVDD Foundation is looking forward to the start of their SYEP session, beginning July 6th, and witnessing their interns' imminent career related success!
