Summer Youth

Employment Program

Fuel San Diego’s Future

Workforce

San Diego’s regional economy is growing and so is the demand for skilled talent. The JA Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) connects high school students with paid, career- connected learning experiences that prepare them for success while helping employers build a strong local talent pipeline.

Through this cross-sector collaboration, JA San Diego bridges education and business to develop young talent and meet workforce needs. Together, we can fuel the future of San Diego.

Why Youth Employment Matters

Career-connected learning builds the foundation for future career success by giving students access to social capital, mentorship, and real-world employment experiences. JA SYEP ensures that:

  • Students gain exposure to career pathways and develop essential skills.

  • Employers shape future talent and strengthen their workforce.

  • Communities reduce opportunity gaps and foster economic growth.

The JA Talent Pool

JA SYEP participants are high school students ages 16-18 from our JA Fellows program which provides career readiness and leadership training. These students are:

  • Career-ready students with mentorship experience.

  • Creative problem-solvers eager to learn.

  • Future leaders ready to contribute to your organization.

Benefits of Hosting

Hosting student interns has been shown to have positive business outcomes for employers, from boosting productivity to increasing employee engagement to identifying future talent.

For Employers

  • Fresh Perspective: Students bring innovative ideas and energy to your team.

  • Shape Future Talent: Build your talent pipeline by mentoring tomorrow’s workforce.

  • Employee Engagement: Boost morale and leadership skills among your staff.

  • Brand Awareness: Showcase your commitment to workforce development and community impact.

For Students

  • Professional Experience: Hands-on exposure to careers and the workplace
  • Skill Development Build transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

  • Networks & Social Capital Develop confidence and expand your professional network.

For Community

  • Local Talent Pipeline: Builds stronger, more prepared workforce.
  • Access to Opportunity: Reduces opportunity gaps in career pathways.
  • Cross-sector Collaboration: Strengthens partnerships between business, education, and community.

Get in touch today. Complete our SYEP Host Site Interest Form.

2026 Program Timeline

  • September – January: Explore & Plan

  • February: Host Site Commitment Deadline

  • March: Build Your Student Experience

  • April: Student Recruitment

  • May: Onboarding & Placement

  • June: Program Begins

  • August: Program Conclusion & Celebration

Resources for Employers

Host Guide

The JA SYEP Host Guide provides an overview of the program, responsibilities of site host partners, and best practices for employers hosting students.

Programming Ideas

Get started with developing your internship program with these industry-specific programming, capstone project, and workshop ideas that help build real-world skills and keep students actively learning.

Tips for Supervising

Supervising high school interns requires a thoughtful approach tailored to their stage of development. This resource provides guidance to help supervisors successfully manage, mentor, and support student interns.

FAQs

Learn more about SYEP and what employers can expect from hosting students and the value of participating in local youth employment programs.

Impact at a Glance

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Students trained for careers
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Hosts sites interested extending employment for students
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Industries and career fields students are exposed to
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Partners that plan to continue participating

Become a SYEP Partner

For more information about SYEP, please contact Madeline Bowen at mbowen@jasandiego.org.

Our Employer Host Partners