Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP)

Attention Youth: Click this button to apply for summer employment:

Attention Employers: Hire a local youth! Click this button to get involved:

Information for Employers

What is the Summer of Opportunity Program?

The Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP) is an employment opportunities program for youth, ages 14-20, who are still in middle school or high school or a high school equivalency program (TASC). The program is designed to provide work readiness training and employment opportunities to youth while making a direct connection to success in school. For many youth, this is their first opportunity to gain real-world work experience.

What is the Summer Internship?

Several thousand youth apply to SOOP each year. The Summer Internship is designed for youth who have successfully completed our pre-screening process and display a keen interest in gaining first-hand work experiences in the public, not-for-profit, or private sectors.

How do I participate?

We are actively recruiting worksites that can provide opportunities for youth interns from our program to engage in real-world work experiences in the community. Interested businesses can contact the Youth Employment Services office listed below for more information and a copy of the request form.

Do I have to pay for my intern?

NO! The cost of employee wages is covered by the City of Rochester. The worksites are solely responsible for providing their interns with a meaningful work experience through coaching and mentoring. Youth Employment Services will provide follow-up job coaching to ensure that both program participants and worksite partners have a beneficial and enjoyable experience.