Mayor's Youth Employment & Education Program

MYEEP provides subsidized employment opportunities for approximately 1,500 low-income, high school aged youth each year. The goal of the program is to support the positive development of youth in San Francisco by engaging them in meaningful employment, career, leadership, and community involvement opportunities. MYEEP is overseen by a collaboration of 12 community-based organizations, which ensures citywide inclusion in the program, as well as access to a diverse array of services.
 
The members of the MYEEP collaboration include:
• Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center
• Community Educational Services
• Community Youth Center
• Horizons Unlimited of San Francisco, Inc.
• I.T. Bookman Center
• Japanese Community Youth Council
• Jewish Vocational Service
• Mission Neighborhood Centers
• Morrisania West, Inc.
• Vietnamese Youth Development Center
• Visitacion Valley Community Center
• Young Community Developers
 
MYEEP services include:
 
Training
Pre-employment training is based on the SCANS (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) competencies such as time and money management, communications skills, working in a team environment, problem solving, and building community. Approximately 10 hours of pre-employment training is provided to each participant.  
 
Employment
Following training, youth are matched with trained worksite supervisors at public sector and nonprofit organizations, who provide one-on-one instruction and workplace mentoring. Placements are based on each youth's interest assessment, education and career goals. Participants work 10 hours per week during the school year and 20 hours per week during the summer. Worksites include community-based organizations, arts and cultural organizations, recreation centers, childcare and development centers, Beacon Centers and other public agencies. Positions include computer/clerical aide, art intern, childcare aide, library aide, recreational assistance, graphic designer, and others.
 
Youth Leadership Development
Upon completing a year of the program, youth have the opportunity to participant in the Counselors-in-Training Program (CITP). Participants of this program assist the MYEEP Program Coordinators at their agency by developing and conducting workshops and organizing activities.
 
Community Service
Community service is a program-wide effort and is an integral part of the MYEEP experience. Each youth participates in at least one community service event during their participation in the program.
 
Career Awareness and Planning
Participants are also exposed to a variety of career paths and their requirements. These activities help to reinforce the link between school completion, academic success and careers. MYEEP in San Francisco offers youth an opportunity to meet with working professionals in diverse career fields. Youth will also complete a career portfolio containing a cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation, reference list, and work samples.
 
Ongoing-Employment Training
While employed, youth also participate in ongoing training at their MYEEP community agency. site three times per month. Training topics include health education, conflict management, diversity/cultural competency, job search skills, post secondary education, study skills, resume and cover letter writing, career portfolio creation, goal setting, resource management, entrepreneurship, independent living skills and public speaking.
 
Post Secondary Education
Youth Participants are exposed to the college environment during MYEEP University Day where they explore a college campus, attend presentations from college students, visit college classes, and learn about admissions and financial aid.
 
New Directions Employment Program
In 2006, MYEEP expanded opportunities to young people by adding the New Directions Employment Program (NDEP), a partnership between JCYC, San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department and San Francisco Recreation and Parks targeting San Francisco young people on probation. In addition to all MYEEP program elements, NDEP participants have access to additional services to support their positive development.
 
Recognition
In September of 2003, MYEEP was one of 27 youth employment programs selected nationally to receive the Promising and Effective Practices Network (PEPNet) Award. PEPNet is an initiative of the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) to identify and recognize programs, which demonstrate exemplary practices and achieve outstanding outcomes. To be selected for a NYEC'sPEPNet Award of national recognition, MYEEP went through a rigorous application and review process in which they had to demonstrate effectiveness in management, youth development, preparation of youth for career success, and soundness in data evaluating results.

For more information, please contact:
Alvin Woo at 415-202-7903, email us at myeep@jcyc.org
or visit their website at: www.myeep.org