Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Summer Youth Employment Program or "SYEP?"
A1. SYEP is an employment program that provides summer employment and career experience for youth who meet certain eligibility requirements and who express an interest in working during the summertime.

Q2. What is the purpose of the SYEP?
A2. The SYEP strives to prepare our young people for real-world work expectations, career instruction, financial literacy, academic improvement and social growth. It will also provide area employers with the opportunity to participate in providing sponsored employment opportunities for eligible young persons.

Q3. How much will the youth earn?
A3. There is a two tiered pay scale dependent of responsibility. Participants may receive either $7.40 or $10 an hour.

Q4. Where does the money come from?
A4. Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Washtenaw County has received federal funds to support the SYEP and to subsidize summer employment costs for eligible youth.

Q5. Who is eligible for the program?
A5. Eligible young people must be between the ages of 14 and 24 and income eligible. They must also meet one or more of the following criteria: deficient in basic literacy skills; school dropout; homeless, runaway, or foster child; pregnant or parenting; offender or is an individual (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment.  Please click here for more information.

Q6. When does the program run?
A6. For youth not in high school, the program will operate May 1 - Sept 30, 2009. For youth in school, the program will operate June 15 - August 14, 2009. (These dates are approximate and dependent upon the actual project or work site)

Q7. What is the difference between an "in-school" and "out-of-school" youth?
Q7. An "out-of-school" youth means - (a) an eligible youth who is a school dropout; or (b) an eligible youth who has received a secondary school diploma or its equivalent but is basic skills deficient, unemployed, or underemployed.

Q8. How many youth will be served?
A8. It is anticipated that between 600 to 1000 youth will be served throughout Washtenaw County.

Q9. What kind of employment opportunities will be available?
A9. Workplaces or worksites may be in the private- for-profit sector, the non-profit sector, or the public sector. Private sector sites cannot contribute to an employers bottom line. ARRA Funds may not be used for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, or swimming pool.

Q10. What is the difference between a project and a work site?
A10. A project site is an organization requesting operational funds, such as staffing, supplies, etc while a work site is not. A project site must submit an RFP to apply for operational funds.

Q11. How can interested organizations apply for operational funds?
A11. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for these funds has been posted on the County Purchasing Website at http://bids.ewashtenaw.org/.  Click the open bids tab, the open RFP # 6461.

Q12. How can interested organizations obtain a copy of the RFP?
A12. The RFP is currently available at http://bids.ewashtenaw.org.  Click the open bids tab, the open RFP # 6461.

Q13. How can interested organizations be notified of future RFPs?
A13. To be added to the County bidder's/proposal list, please complete a Vendor Application form online.  Please select the commodity code for education and trianing, which is 91838.