DYCD Commissioner Outlines SYEP and Fatherhood Program Initiatives
DYCD Commissioner Sandra Escamilla Davies concludes her testimony by detailing the $246 million investment in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and highlighting the achievements of the Fatherhood Program.
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 Manzani officially launched the 2026 Summer Youth Employment on January 20th, marking the earliest application opening in program's history.
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 continues to be a critical pathway to economic opportunity and future readiness ready 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 SYP 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.
And finally, the Fatherhood Program.
To date, DYCD Fatherhood Program has engaged more than 500 fathers, supporting them as they navigate co-parenting, custody, and other complex family challenges while strengthening parent skills, family stability, and long-term father engagement.
Through workshops, trainings, and supportive resources, these programs help fathers build connections with their children, families, and communities.
Last month, DYCD hosted its second annual fatherhood policy symposium, convening more than 100 leaders from government, academia, and community organizations to highlight the critical role fathers play in wellbeing of children and families and to advance father-friendly policies and practices across the city.
On June 25th, DYCD will host its fifth annual affirming father convening at John Jay College of Criminal Justice to further elevate the importance of father engagement, leadership, and community connection while continuing conversations about how systems and institutions can better support fathers and family across New York City.
And if I had more time, I'll I would tout all of the other wonderful programs that this investment will yield for us, as well as this extraordinary staff that I have behind me and working on the field right now that are doing everything they can to provide quality support to the network of providers that serve young people every day.