DC Students Matter: Why It’s Time to Raise the Summer Job Wage
For over four decades, Washington, DC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has been a lifeline for local youth, providing not just a paycheck but critical skills, professional experience, and a sense of purpose. Rebranded in recent years as the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), the program serves thousands of students each year, offering opportunities to explore careers, build resumes, and gain confidence in the workplace.
How MBSYEP Works
MBSYEP targets young people ages 16–21, connecting them with summer employment in public agencies, nonprofits, and private companies across the District. Participants gain hands-on experience in areas ranging from technology and healthcare to administration and customer service. In addition to on-the-job learning, the program provides career development workshops, financial literacy training, and mentoring opportunities—equipping students with skills they can carry into college and future careers.
Youth apply through the MBSYEP portal, go through a selection process, and are matched with jobs based on interest, skills, and program availability. The program traditionally runs for six to seven weeks during the summer, with participants earning a stipend for their work.
The Problem: Wages That Don’t Match the Cost of Living
Currently, youth in MBSYEP earn $9.25 per hour, which is well below DC’s current minimum wage of $17.95. This gap creates significant barriers:
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Many students rely on summer earnings to support themselves or their families.
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Low wages make participation less appealing, especially for older teens balancing school, college prep, or other responsibilities.
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Economic inequity persists: young people from lower-income neighborhoods are disproportionately affected, limiting access to opportunities that help break cycles of poverty.
The reality is clear: paying youth less than the legal minimum undervalues their contributions and undermines the program’s potential to prepare DC’s next generation of workers.
The Solution: Bill 25-744
Councilmember Zachary Parker’s Bill 25-744 proposes two critical changes:
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Pay youth the DC minimum wage: Aligning MBSYEP compensation with the city’s minimum wage ensures fair pay for work performed.
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Expand program participation and workforce readiness: By increasing slots and supporting retention, more youth gain meaningful employment and the skills needed for long-term success.
These changes would not only provide immediate financial relief for participating youth but also strengthen the city’s broader workforce pipeline.
The Broader Impact
Raising wages and expanding participation in MBSYEP has ripple effects:
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Economic equity: Students earn a livable wage, contributing to financial stability and independence.
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Career readiness: Paid work and professional training improve resumes, build confidence, and prepare students for college and careers.
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Community safety: Meaningful engagement in summer work reduces idle time, which research links to lower rates of youth involvement in crime.
As Jeffrey Wright, a former MBSYEP participant, put it:
“[MBSYEP] gave me my first job and opened doors I never imagined.”
How DC Residents Can Support
To ensure DC youth get the wages and opportunities they deserve, residents can contact their City Council members:
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Phone: 202-724-8000
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Email: EOM@DC.gov | pmendelson@dccouncil.gov
Investing in young people is more than a summer program—it’s building a stronger, more vibrant city. By supporting Bill 25-744, we can ensure every DC student has access to fair pay, valuable experience, and a pathway to success.