Summer Youth Employment Programs

Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) Workforce Development Center (WDC) Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP), has been serving the youth since the 70’s. The program runs from June through August, currently serving approximately 200 youth out of the CPLC/WDC office. The purpose of the Summer Youth Work Experience Program is to provide Phoenix youth with experiences that build on their individual strengths and incorporate youth development principles.  These principles include engaging the talents and interests of youth, developing their skills and competencies, and providing positive adult role models.

SYWEP provides five weeks of entry-level work experience to youth between the ages of 14 to 18.  Many young people work in a variety of entry-level jobs at community-based organizations and government agencies. Some examples include assisting with clerical duties in local hospitals and libraries; serving lunches at a senior center; helping children at a day care center; and helping with clean up at local parks.

The SYWEP experience introduces youth to the workplace, imparts valuable employment skills, and provides youth with a summer income. SYWEP educational activities enhance this exposure to the world of work, allowing youth to gain self-confidence, career awareness, financial literacy, and interpersonal competencies needed to succeed over the long term. The goal of the SYWEP program is to provide youth-development approach.  SYWEP is more than a job placement-program – it incorporates the core elements of successful youth-development programming including: adult support and guidance, engaging activities, and input from youth. SYWEP assists youth in making a successful transition to healthy adulthood and economic independence.

CPLC Summer Youth Employment Program
2916 North 35th Avenue
Suite # 5
Phoenix, AZ  85017
602.269.6485 – p
602.352.5985 – fax

Contact:  Eloise Enriquez