Ithaca Youth Bureau

The Youth Employment Service (YES) is an initiative offered at no cost by the Ithaca Youth Bureau, designed to help teens evolve into successful adults. We engage with teens in their current situations and link them to various opportunities for employment, personal growth, and leadership within their community. The program consists of three main components: YES Connect, the YES Summer Jobs Program, and the Ithaca Youth Council Ambassadors. YES Connect caters to teens aged 14-21 in Tompkins County, providing personalized job support, access to resources like a teen-focused Now Hiring List, workshops, resume writing assistance, and interview preparation. The YES Summer Jobs Program offers subsidized employment for approximately 185 teens annually in Tompkins County, with eligibility determined by a mix of residency, family income, and first-time job status (full details available on our website). Participants can work up to 120 hours over six weeks at one of 70 community partner sites, receiving continuous evaluation, support, and access to paid training. The Ithaca Youth Council Ambassadors consist of a selected group of teens dedicated to peer leadership and civic involvement, representing the voices of youth in Tompkins County. The intake process involves completing an application (with a parent’s signature), providing references, and attending an interview. There are no fees associated with the program.