Summer Youth Program

Illinois Human Resources and the Office of the Associate Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is pleased to offer the 2019 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYP). SYP offers a unique seven-week experience for students, ages 16-19, from Champaign, Rantoul, and Urbana. SYP is designed to assist local youth with developing positive work habits, professional experience, as well as gaining motivation to further their education and/or pursue career options. By providing both practical work experience and developmental opportunities, the program aims to enable participants to contribute to each department’s needs while developing these important work skills. Over the years, a number of summer youth participants have returned to the University as students or as University employees.
This summer, the University has an ambitious goal of employing 36 high school students and we need your help! Illinois Human Resources is currently requesting worksites for SYP students. THERE IS NO COST TO YOUR UNIT for a student.
You may submit your request for a Summer Youth Program employee here.

Additional program details are as follows:

Work Dates: June 10, 2019 through July 26, 2019

  • Work Schedule:Student work schedules can be flexible, but must not exceed 7.5 hours per day and the program will pay for up to 20 hours per week. Students should be scheduled between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If a unit would like to work a student more than 23 hours per week (20 hours in your unit), you will be responsible for payment of the additional hours.
  • Rate of Pay: $8.25 per hour
  • Supervisor: We ask that you assign each student to a supervisor or mentor who can provide a positive work environment.

Once worksites are identified, Illinois Human Resources will place students into positions with a goal of reflecting their interests, skills, abilities and/or career goals. Students will have weekly Friday workshops, outside of the worksite, on topics such as personal wellness, money management, leadership skills and more. These paid sessions are held on Fridays.

Your participation in this important program is encouraged. Please register no later than Monday, May 13, 2019.

Questions concerning the Summer Youth Program can be directed to:
Tori Exum texum@uillinois.edu; 217-333-4752
Rafael Cañas rcanas@illinois.edu; 217-333-2137
Sandra Carter carter28@illinois.edu; 217-333-4752

Summer Youth Program Employment Request Form
Summer Youth Employment Program Flyer