Commissioner highlights Runaway Homeless Youth and SYEP programs

The next program I'd like to highlight is Runaway Homeless Youth.

We are so thankful for the early mayoral commitment to continue the critical role of housing navigation, peer navigators, and financial coaches as part of the services offered youth in our RHY drop-in center and FY27.

The budget process is ongoing, but we are pleased that the city recognizes the importance of these supports for runaway homeless youth, and providers have the opportunity now to better plan the delivery of service for the upcoming fiscal year.

We're in the thick of summer youth employment.

Mayor Mondani officially launched the 2026 summer youth employment on January 20th, marking the earliest application opening in program's history.

This program received a record 230,000 applications from young people across New York City.

Funded at $246 million, SYP will once again serve more than 100,000 youth this summer through paid work experiences, career exploration, skill building, and supportive opportunities.

As one of the nation's largest youth employment programs, SYP

He continues to be a critical pathway to economic opportunity and future readiness for young New Yorkers.

And this year, DYCD is expanding career-ready programs to 260 schools, up from 230 in 2025, while continuing high school credit and career-ready CUNY reach

so that more students can earn high school or college credit through participation.

The program also continues to prioritize young people facing barriers to employment, including NYCHA residents and youth living in priority precinct communities.

In addition, DYCD is continuing initiatives launched in previous years, including SYEP Pride, in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice and the New York

City Commission on Human Rights, which offers providers and employers training, supportive work experience, and professional development opportunities for participants.