#  Summer Youth Employment Program 

 



 ##  

  expand\_more  

 
  

 

## Bridging Talent and Opportunity at Harvard – Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

### Program Overview

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) offers invaluable work experience to high school students from Boston and Cambridge. This six-week program fulfills Harvard’s summer staffing needs while helping students develop professional skills and motivation for further education and career paths.

### How the Program Works

In collaboration with the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) and the City of Cambridge Office of Workforce Development, eligible students are considered for positions approved by Harvard’s SYEP team. Students participate in a brief interview process with Harvard’s hosting department, and hiring managers make the final selection of one student per position.

The SYEP program offers both full-time and part-time roles, with a recommended schedule of 25–35 hours per week. Opportunities can be on-campus, hybrid, or fully remote, allowing flexibility to meet your operational needs while supporting the intern’s learning objectives. Additionally, interns engage in various professional development activities, including weekly cohort sessions with their fellow high school interns.

### Program Timeline

 ![SYEP Project Timeline](/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2026-02/ProjectTimeline3.png)

 

### For Interested Students

- **How to Apply:** Interested students should reach out to their **School** **Guidance Counselor** or **Career Specialist** for more information about available jobs at Harvard and the application process.
- **Work Permit:** All students under 18 must obtain a **work permit** before starting the program. School Guidance Counselors or Career Specialists can assist with this process.
- **Open to Boston and Cambridge Public School students only.**

### Benefits to Hosting Department 

1. **Access to Future and Emerging Talent:** Unique opportunity to nurture and guide the next generation while benefiting from their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
2. **Community Partnership:** Contribute to the local community by providing valuable work experience to young people.
3. **Supplemental Staff** to support short-term projects and initiatives at minimal cost.
4. **Inclusive Excellence:** Diverse candidate pool from local communities.
5. **Dedicated Program Management:** Regular professional development and skill building sessions.

### How Hosting Managers Can Get Involved

If you are a hiring manager interested in learning more about Summer Youth Employment Internship Program and other Harvard Pathway Programs, please complete our [Pathway Program Interest form](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3mJfsHpwBPa5yLQ) and a member of the Harvard Pathway Programs team will contact you. Or visit the [HARVie Pathway Program pages](https://harvie.harvard.edu/summer-youth-employment-program) (HarvardKey required). **Deadline to submit job requests for 2026 is Friday, April 10.**

### Interested in learning more? 

For additional information or if you have questions about Harvard’s Summer Youth Employment Program, please email [hhr\_syep@harvard.edu](mailto:hhr_syep@harvard.edu)