2026 Summer Youth Employment Program

BACKGROUNDThe Tompkins County Workforce Development department has administered successful state-funded Summer Youth Employment Programs for many years. It is anticipated that in 2026 the New York State budget will include an allocation of funds for a state funded Summer Youth Employment Program. Therefore, Tompkins County Workforce Development anticipates awarding approximately $350,000 in total funds, which may be split among two or more providers at the sole discretion of the Tompkins County Workforce Development. Funding is anticipated for allowable SYEP expenditures made from May 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. PLEASE NOTE:Tompkins County Workforce Development is proceeding with this request for proposals with the understanding that New York State may or may not appropriate funds for this program. Although significant changes are not anticipated, the conditions and standards applied to the potential appropriation have not been established and may impact the design and implementation of the local program. Tompkins County Workforce Development may modify or refuse to make awards based on the availability of funds. PURPOSE OF REQUESTTo prepare for this summer employment program, Tompkins County Workforce Development is soliciting proposals for summer youth employment programs to serve youth between the ages of 14-20 years old, living in families who receive TANF benefits or in families who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Proposals are encouraged from for-profit, not-for-profit organizations, educational entities, and local governments.PROGRAM OBJECTIVES • Provide youth with barriers to employment an opportunity to earn a paycheck • Provide youth with a supportive, first-time work experience • Train youth in skills that are currently needed in the labor market • Expose youth to careers, employers, and the world of work • Develop workplace etiquette and strengthen basic employment skills • Reinforce the relationship between academics and skills needed on the job • Encourage youth to earn a high school diploma • Provide an entry point into the workforce development system Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: City of IthacaIthaca Youth Bureau1 James L Gibbs DrIthaca, NY 14850Contract #: 2025-167-WFNY Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 0.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) MBE Goal: 0.00% WBE Goal: 0.00% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contracting goals (DBE) DBE Goal: 0.00%