Applications Available for 2025 Summer Youth Work Experience Program in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Employers and young people in Hunterdon and Somerset counties are invited to apply for the 2025 Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP), sponsored by the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB).

“This is a great opportunity for our students to obtain part-time employment, gain invaluable work experience, and real-time job training,” said Commissioner Douglas Singleterry, liaison to the GRWDB. “Employers get extra help during the summer, and when it works out, possibly future full- time staff.”

This is the sixth consecutive year that the GRWDB is sponsoring the summer youth program with funding from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). It is one of 10 NJDOL-funded programs around the state. Since its inception, the Greater Raritan SYWEP has served 227 youth by pairing them with work opportunities at over 100 employers.

In 2024, 83 youths worked for 33 different employers. Based on that success, the GRWDB has received a state grant of $349,159 to support 90 paid work experiences.

“We started receiving inquiries from companies last November and there has been a steady beat of interest from youth and their parents,” said GRWDB Director Paul Grzella. “We will continue to reach out to employers, youth and community members on all GRWDB platforms to ensure we have another successful year. GRWDB staff is available to provide assistance and answer questions so that our employer and youth-participants have great summers.”

Employer Deadline, was April 8

Private or public employers of any size in Hunterdon and Somerset counties with available part-time positions may apply. These can be outdoor employment opportunities or on-site work. Employer applicants can be from any industry, such as municipalities looking to fill summer recreational positions, those who need help for summer projects, and area nonprofits who need office assistance.

The employer Request for Applications (RFAs) for the program, which includes a job description form for the position can be found at https://bit.ly/GRWDB_RFA2025. The deadline for applications was Tuesday, April 8.

Youth Applications, Deadline May 12

The GRWDB also is accepting applications from eligible in-school or out-of-school youth who must live in Hunterdon or Somerset counties and be ages 16 to 24 years. Program staff will work to match youth applicants with available positions. Employers and youth will talk before the matches are finalized. To obtain an application, visit www.thegrwdb.org or use this link. The deadline to return material is Monday, May 12.

For this year’s program, youth participants can work any 200-hour period between May 19 to Oct. 15. Participants must be between the ages of 16 and 24 and can be in school or out of school. Those accepted into the program, will work 180 hours with the employer and complete another 20 hours of online and in-person career-readiness training and peer coaching sessions directed by the GRWDB. The youth participant’s tax-free stipend will be $17 an hour, for a total of $3,400 if all 200 hours are completed.

“Over six years, the GRWDB has grown the summer youth program from eight participants to 90 for 2025,” said Jeanne Cassano, the GRWDB’s contract compliance and engagement specialist and coordinator for the summer youth program. “Last year, four participants stayed on with their employers, so we know the goal of helping reinforce successful work habits is happening. SYWEP helps young people stay and work in both counties.”

Anyone with questions can contact Jeanne Cassano at jcassano@co.somerset.nj.us, or call 908-541-5785.

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About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. More information about these programs can be found on thegrwdb.org, including stories on initiatives, a resource tab for job seekers, and an updated calendar of events. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “one-stop” to 908-460-8144 to sign up.

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