Applications Available for 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Employers and young people in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties are invited to apply to take part in the 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program sponsored by the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB).

This is the seventh 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. The Greater Raritan SYWEP has served 321 youth in providing work experience with 145 employers since its inception. This includes 94 youth and 33 employers in 2025.

Because the NJDOL reduced funding statewide for this year’s program, the GRWDB received a state grant of $169,061 to support up to 45 paid work experiences. In addition, the GRWDB is reallocating some of its other state youth funding to support up to another 10 positions.

For this year’s program, youth participants can work any 200-hour period between May 18 to October 16. 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.

Employer Application Deadline

Any private or public employer of any size in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties with available part-time positions may apply. These can be outdoor employment opportunities or on-site job work. Employer applicants can be from any industry. Municipalities looking to fill summer recreational positions or summer projects are welcomed to apply, as are area nonprofits looking for office assistance.

The employer Request for Applications (RFAs) for the program, which includes the job description form for the position, can be found on the Public Notices tab of the Somerset County website, by visiting https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/65214. The deadline for employer applications is Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

“While we are disappointed that the program’s funding was reduced, we know that those who participate will continue to benefit from the experience,” said Jeanne Cassano, the GRWDB’s contract compliance and engagement specialist and coordinator for the summer youth program. “Last year, three participants stayed on with their employers, which puts the GRWDB’s mission of connecting job seekers and businesses into action.”

Youth Application Deadline

As employer applications are coming in, the GRWDB is accepting separate applications from eligible in-school or out-of-school youth who must live in Hunterdon or Somerset Counties and be 16 to 24 years old. Funding for the additional 10 positions being supported by the GRWDB has some additional eligibility requirements and those potential participants will be screened by GRWDB partners. Cassano and program staff will work to match eligible youth applicants with the available positions. Employers and youth will also talk prior to the matches being finalized. To obtain an application, visit sywep-fillable-complete-application-and-packet-2026-1.pdf. The deadline for youth applications is Monday, May 4, 2026.

“We started receiving inquiries from companies last November and there has been a steady stream of interest from youth and their parents,” said Paul Grzella, GRWDB Director. “We know that competition will be tighter this year for employer and youth applicants, but the team will work with all stakeholders to have another successful year.”

With questions contact jcassano@somersetcountynj.gov or call (908) 541-5785.

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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.

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