General

1. ​Is this program only for Chicago or only for some specific part of the state?
   
   

   SYEP providers are across the state.
   

2. How do I get the SYEP Website to work on my Mac or iOS device?
   
   

   Follow these steps for the SYEP website to work properly on your devices:
   

   Safari Browser:
   Preferences > Privacy > Block Cookies and other website data > Change from “Third parties and advertisers” to “Never”
   
   iOS:
   Settings > Safari > Block Cookies > Change from “Third parties and advertisers” to “Never”
   
   

3. How do I get to the pre- and post-assesment questions?
   
   

   Login to your SYEP Tools to access your pre-assessment, employment 101 guide, and your post-assessment.

4. I have applied for the SYEP Program, what should I do next?
   
   

   Once you have applied for the SYEP 2014 program the provider you selected will contact you directly. You also have the option of contacting the organization/provider you selected on your application directly to talk to them about next steps. You can use the interactive SYEP Locations Map to find the phone number and address of the organization you selected on your application. If you do not remember which organization you selected, log-in to your SYEP Application & Tools where you can look at your application and find the organization you selected.
   
   The organization/provider will place youth with employers/worksites. Youth/guardians should not contact employers in their area; instead they should be contacting the organization the youth will be working with for further information.
   

SYEP Applications

1. At the end of the application it said print the application and have a parent sign it do I suppose to turn it in somewhere?
   
   

   ​When you are contacted by the organization you selected on your application they will ask for the signed copy of your application.
   

2. Do you have to complete the application online to be in the program?
   
   

   Yes​, apply online through Illinois workNet.

3. Do you have to live within a certain distance to an organization in order to participate?
   
   

   ​We recommend that you choose the organization closest to you when you fill out your application, if you already did that we encourage you to contact the provider you applied with and speak with them about your willingness to travel for the program.
   If you do not remember which organization you selected, log-in to your SYEP Application & Tools where you can look at your application and find the organization you selected.  
   

4. How do I update my application once it's submitted?
   
   

   You, as a youth participant, cannot update your application once it's been submitted. You have two options to have your application updated:
   

   1. The organization you applied with can update your application, or
      
   2. You can email us and we can update your application.​
5. How old do you have to be to apply for the program?
   
   

   ​16-24 years old.
   

6. I don't have a job and the only source of income I have is Snap Benefits can I still apply?
   
   

   ​Yes, you will be eligible to apply for SYEP.
   

7. I don't have a middle name and it's required on the application; what do I do?
   
   
   If you do not have a middle name to list your middle initial on the application put N/A so you can continue completing the application.
   

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8. If I have technical problems, who do I contact?
   
   

   ​Please email syep2014@illinoisworknet.com.

9. Is this program only for Chicago or only for some specific part of the state?
   
   

   SYEP providers are across the state.
   

10. What if I don't have a printer so my legal guardian can sign?
    
    

    ​If you do not have a printer you can visit the organization you selected on your SYEP Application and they can assist you with printing your application. Find the organizations address using the SYEP Locations Map.
    

11. What is a provider?
    
    

    ​A SYEP provider is an organization that will be providing the Summer Youth Employment Program.  They will:

    • Review the applications.
    • Contact you about the enrolling into the program.
    • Provide career readiness activities and set up work experiences for those enrolled in the program.
    • Collect your timesheets and ensure payment for your work.
    • Collect success stories at the end of the program.
      
12. When I Submitted The Application Why Didn't The Summary Pop Up?
    
    

    ​Once you submit your SYEP application you will be able to review your application and print. You can access your submitted application by logging in with your Illinois workNet account by returning to your SYEP application and tools.
    

13. Who should register on this link if the child is a minor to the login part of this process.
    
    
    The youth will log-in to complete their SYEP 2014 application and will be prompted to provide their parental/guardian information if they are a minor.
    

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14. Would applicants between the ages of 22-24 be classified as “out of School” if they were in college during the spring of 2014 but are planning NOT to attend college during the remainder of 2014?
    
    

    ​Yes.  If the student is not enrolled to attend school in the fall, they would be considered “out-of-school”. 

15. Would i get paid every week or two weeks?
    
    

    When you get paid depends on the payroll for your organization. Please contact your organization for more information.

Work Information

1. ​Do I have to do anything besides go to my job?
   
   

   You will have to complete a pre/post-assessment, career readiness activities, success story, and an end of program survey.

2. ​Do I work at a job?
   
   

   Yes.  You will go to a location and work at a job.  You will be paid $9/ hour for working at that job.

3. ​How long will the jobs last?
   
   

   Jobs usually last 4-12 weeks.

4. How many hours can we work a week?
   
   

   ​The number of hours you can work is determined by the provider and the worksite. You cannot however exceed 40 hours and must abide by the youth labor laws.

5. How much money do you get paid?
   
   

   ​$9 per hour

6. What types of jobs did SYEP students get in 2013?
   
   

   ​The following list includes a sample of jobs/job duties from SYEP 2013:  Animal care, Arts and crafts, Bike Mechanic, Camp Counselor, Cashier, Child Care, Construction, Customer Service, Food Service, Gardener, Groundskeeper, Janitor, Landscaping, Library Assistant, Marketing, Office work, Pharmacy Tech, Receptionist, Retail, Salon Assistant, Stock Clerk, and Video editing.

7. Will there be jobs in my community?
   
   

   Yes, if you are enrolled in the program.  Local SYEP providers are working with employers in your community place you in a job.