Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Pay Range: $21.30 per hour.

How to Apply: The application period for the 2026 SYEP Internship Program began March 18 and will close May 4 at 5 p.m. The Internship Program will run July 6-Aug. 18. Complete the online application and, if necessary, review the help guide

Description:

The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) supports young people (ages 16 to 24) from qualifying-income households and communities that experience racial, social, and economic disparities. The goal is to increase youth and young adults’ ability to pursue careers that pay well and are meaningful to them.

Applications now open for the 2026 SYEP Internship Program!

The application period for the 2026 SYEP Internship Program began March 18 and will close May 4 at 5 p.m. The Internship Program will run July 6-Aug. 18. Complete the online application and, if necessary, review the help guide. (More details below.)

What is the Seattle Youth Employment Program?

The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) features two programs to help you develop skills for life and work that will help achieve your current and future goals:

• Learn & Earn Program (Foundations / Pathways): Participants identify professional interests, gain marketable skills, are exposed to various career fields, and build their social network. Students receive stipends based on their quarterly participation during the school year.
• Internship Program: Participants are placed in professional and/or structured paid work settings within City departments, local businesses and non-profit agencies to apply their knowledge, gain hands-on experience, develop professional connections, and build their resume. Participants will be paid no less than Seattle’s minimum wage at $21.30 per hour.  

Learn More:

Program Flyer

What is the Internship Program?

• Land a 6-8 week paid internship that matches your skills, career interests, and availability
• Receive pre-employment training and work experience to aid in your professional growth and career exploration
• Get professional support from a trusted mentor throughout the program
• Gain practical experience to build your resume and potential connections to advance your career or education
• Interns will be paid $21.30 per hour, unless otherwise communicated by the assigned employer.
• Seattle Public Schools students may qualify for 0.5 Career and Technical Education (CTE) credit through Seattle Public Schools. 

Applying for the internship

• Create an account and complete the online application. (Review the help guide for assistance.)
• SYEP staff will review submitted applications within a week of their receipt, and applicants will be notified via email of eligibility or if they are missing eligibility documents. (Review eligibility requirements below.) 
• By Monday, May 18, applicants will be notified via email if they were accepted into the program and the next steps in the placement process.
• 250 youth and young adults, ages 16 to 24, will be selected by lottery to participate.
• Those selected will participate in in-person, virtual, or hybrid (depending on the needs of the employer) career-readiness learning activities before the internship start date.
• SYEP staff will work with participants to find an internship placement that meets their interests. Internships will be between six and eight weeks with City departments, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), or Private Sector employers.
• Applicants should check their email regularly for important communication and updates. Failure to do so may risk opportunity to participate in the placement process and program. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• be between the ages of 16 and 24 years old at the start of the program.
• live within the Seattle city limits (click the link to verify) or attend Seattle public schools or Seattle Colleges (Seattle Central College, South Seattle College or North Seattle College).
• live in a household with income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). See AMI table below.

Please read all program requirements before applying. You will not be considered for the program if you do not meet all requirements, so please ensure that your application is accurate.