Latest news with #SummerYouthEmploymentProgram
Epoch Times
29-07-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
Orange County Honors Workers, Veterans
Temperatures are still high, and so is the positive energy around Orange County. From youth gaining valuable work experience to honoring veterans and celebrating historic milestones, our community is buzzing with activity and purpose. I'll start by telling you about some of our youth who are getting hands-on experience participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). More than 360 teens and young adults ages 14 to 20 are spending their summer gaining real-world experience at local businesses and nonprofits. For more than 30 years, SYEP has been a cornerstone of youth development in Orange County, helping participants build skills, confidence, and connections that last long after summer ends. When you're out and about, look for participants proudly wearing their yellow SYEP badge with the county seal, and be sure to say hello! I'll also be visiting sites soon to learn about the impact these young adults are having, as well as the benefits they are receiving. The success of SYEP would not be possible without the hard work of our Employment and Training Administration staff and the support of the many businesses that open their doors to our youth. Thank you to organizations like Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, High-Class Motorsports (Port Jervis), New Wonders Learning Center (New Windsor), Smokin Tattoo Studios (Goshen), Foeller Men's Shop (Middletown), City of Newburgh Recreation Department, Hudson Valley Christian Church (Newburgh), REACT (Rising Everyday Above Circumstances Together, Inc.), and LEGOLAND New York, among others. Last week, the county paused to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hosted by Independent Living, Inc., the event celebrated how far we've come while acknowledging that there is still much work to do. County departments—including Health, Parks, Human Rights, Youth Bureau, Mental Health, the Sheriff's Office, the County Clerk, the Legislature, and my own office—all were recognized for efforts to improve accessibility. Self-advocates shared inspiring reflections on ADA's history, current progress, and the road ahead. As we move forward, Orange County remains committed to thinking differently, breaking down barriers, and improving accessibility for all. From inclusion, we turn to gratitude for those who have served. One of my favorite ways to connect with our veterans is through the Veteran Movie Event, hosted by our Veterans Service Agency with support from ShopRite and the Village of Monroe Movie Theater. These events are more than just a chance to enjoy a movie and some popcorn; they provide an opportunity for veterans to come together, share stories, and learn about the resources available to them. Speaking of those who have served, we also celebrated the 246th Anniversary of the Battle of Minisink, which is commemorated at the monument in downtown Goshen. The Minisink Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has faithfully honored the fallen militiamen for more than a century. Their names were read aloud, wildflowers were laid in tribute, and a rifle volley rang out in remembrance. It was a moving reminder of courage and sacrifice. Please remember, if you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support, reach out to the Veterans Service Agency at 845-291-2470 or visit Continuing the theme of celebrating and honoring, we recognize the outstanding contributions of our seniors. This year, we proudly recognize Terry and Jacqueline Murray of Cornwall and Donna Drybred of Goshen as Orange County's 2025 Seniors of the Year. The Murrays have spent decades championing education, the arts, youth wellness, and advocacy, from pioneering inclusive programs at Camp Robbins to supporting Fearless Hudson Valley and the Maya Gold Foundation. Donna Drybred's dedication to Goshen shines through in everything she does, from beautifying the town with the Garden Club to leading fundraisers for the Goshen Historic Track. These remarkable individuals remind us that service has no age limit, and giving back strengthens the entire community. They will receive their awards in the fall. Kudos to our Office for the Aging staff, led by Director Danielle Diana-Smith, for all that they do for Orange County's senior population.
New York Post
26-07-2025
- New York Post
Debit cards given to NYC's summer youth job program tied to $17 M ATM fraud scam: sources
NYC-issued debit cards meant to pay participants working in a summer youth program were instead used by scammers who nabbed $17 million over a three-day period earlier this month, sources told The Post. The scam — the subject of an ongoing fraud probe — led to ATMs across the Big Apple being banged for big bucks from July 11 to July 13, with the cash ending up in the wrong hands rather than kids and young adults in the Summer Youth Employment Program, officials said. The payment cards are supposed to give access to weekly earnings, typically several hundred bucks at most. However, an error allowed the cards to access massive payments of up $40,000 per ATM. Advertisement 3 NYC-issued debit card that are supposed to be used to pay participants working in a summer youth program were instead used to shell out $17 million to scammers over a three-day period earlier this month, sources said. San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images Teenagers and adults boasted how big money could be made off the cards in videos posted on TikTok and Instagram. 'We're making bread, we're printing money right now,' said one man in a video posted on TikTok. 'If you work S.Y.E.P., hit me up.' Advertisement However, others warned people not to fall for scam. 3 The scam led to ATMS across the Big Apple being banged for big bucks from July 11-13 and ending up in the wrong hands rather than youngsters in city's Summer Youth Employment Program. ABC7 City officials insisted no tax dollars have been lost, making it unclear who absorbed the costs of the illegal withdrawals. The case – first reported by the New York Times — is being investigated by both the NYPD and Department of Youth and Community Development. Advertisement 'We are deeply disturbed by scammers preying on our participants just as they started their work assignments to support themselves and their families,' DYCD spokesman Mark Zustovich. He also insisted the agency 'quickly launched an investigation with the vendors who oversee the SYEP pay card system, to make sure our participants' earnings are as secure as possible' and have 'worked diligently to educate' participants about 'scams and fraud activities.' Investigators are trying to determine the origin of the scam, who was involved and how many cards were involved but lacked answers as of Saturday. 3 'Sometimes it was five to 10 transactions. A few times we saw 100 to 200 transactions consecutively,' said Youserf Mubairrez, CEO of ATM World Corp. ABC7 Advertisement ATM World Corp. told ABC-7 News its records show the same card was used multiple times on its ATM machines to score $43,000. There was $200 limit per transaction but no limit on how many one could make and how much cash one could take out. 'Sometimes it was five to 10 transactions. A few times we saw 100 to 200 transactions consecutively,' said Youserf Mubairrez, CEO of ATM World Corp. The jobs program is the largest of its kind in the United States, with100,000 participants this year. Young people ages 16 to 24 – many from poor and minority families — are paid $16.50 minimum wage for up to 25 hours a week in what are typically their first formal jobs. Participants with bank accounts get paid via direct deposit, but since 2003 those without received payment cards that can be used at ATMs to get their weekly earnings. About 30,000 were set up to be paid by card this year, The Times reported.
The Star
25-07-2025
- The Star
US officials: US$17mil lost in ATM scam that spread on TikTok
NEW YORK: It took less than three days for US$17mil (RM 71.71mil) to disappear from ATMs across New York in a scam that went viral on TikTok and that city officials say is linked to a youth jobs programme, according to two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter. The withdrawals, using payment cards issued to thousands of young people in the programme, should have given users access to only that week's earnings – perhaps several hundred dollars at most. Instead, they opened a spigot of unlimited cash available in sums of US$10,000 (RM 42,185) , US$20,000 (RM 84,370) and even US$40,000 (RM 168,740) per ATM. There were as many as 30,000 cards issued to 14- to 24-year-olds who could not be paid via direct deposit. The fraudulent use, from July 11-13, is being investigated by the city agency that oversees the program and by the Police Department's Financial Crimes Task Force. Some of the young people in the programme were selling their cards for US$1,000 (RM4,218) apiece, according to the law enforcement officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly about an active investigation. In videos on TikTok and Instagram around the time the scam was underway, some teenagers and adults boasted about it and encouraged people to sell their cards to them. 'We're making bread; we're printing money right now,' one man said in a video posted on TikTok. Referring to the jobs program, the Summer Youth Employment Program, he added: 'If you work SYEP, hit me up.' Other TikTok users warned people about falling for the 'SYEP scam'. A spokesperson for the agency that oversees the programme, the Department of Youth and Community Development, suggested in a statement that the young people whose cards had been used for illicit activity were victims of criminals who had exploited their naivete. 'We are deeply disturbed by scammers preying on our participants just as they started their work assignments to support themselves and their families,' the spokesperson, Mark Zustovich said. He also said no taxpayer funds had been lost to the fraud; it was not clear who would ultimately be responsible for absorbing the cost of the illicit withdrawals. Many elements of the scam remain unclear, including how it began, what made it possible, how many of the payment cards and ATMs were used, and who exactly made the withdrawals. Zustovich declined to comment on these specifics, including how much money had been taken. The jobs programme is the largest of its kind in the United States, with 100,000 participants this year. It offers young people, many from poor and minority families, what are often their first formal jobs and their first direct interaction with the financial system. Those enrolled in the programme are placed in various industries for six-week stints, with participants ages 16 to 24 paid the US$16.50 (RM69.60) minimum wage for up to 25 hours a week. Younger workers are paid less. About 70 community-based organisations operating under contracts with the city help place the young people in jobs. Participants with bank accounts are paid by direct deposit. Since 2003, those without bank accounts have received payment cards that can be taken to ATMs to obtain their earnings in cash. Roughly 30,000 were set up to be paid by card this year, according to the youth department. The fraud began on a Friday, city officials said. For many in the programme, it was their first payday ever. By that evening, companies that operate ATMs in the city began to get reports that their machines were being plundered, said Youssef Mubarez, chief operating officer of one such company, ATM World Corp. 'Students or other people who had the card just started going to ATMs and pulling out unlimited loads of cash, 10, 15, 20,000 dollars at a time,' he said. He noted that because of withdrawal limits, the money was taken out US$200 (RM843) at time. In at least one instance, he said, the withdrawals went on for an hour straight, with the owner of the store with the ATM oblivious to what was going on. His company estimates that US$400,000 (RM 1.68mil) was taken from its machines, including US$43,000 (RM 181,395) taken from one. The fraudulent activity surged the next night, Mubarez said. By early that Sunday, the cards had been deactivated, and the scam had been halted, the youth department said. In his statement, Zustovich said that this year, as in previous years, part of the jobs programme involved teaching participants financial literacy. In a series of Instagram posts, the department warned participants to beware of scams. 'Keep Your SYEP Money Safe!' the post said. 'Protect Your SYEP Card & Personal Information.' The messages were posted July 14, the day after the scam had been stopped. – ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
New York Times
25-07-2025
- New York Times
$17 Million Is Lost in A.T.M. Scam That Spread on TikTok, Officials Say
It took less than three days for $17 million to disappear from A.T.M.s across New York in a scam that went viral on TikTok and city officials say is linked to a youth jobs program, according to two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter. The withdrawals, using payment cards issued to thousands of young people in the program, should have given users access to only that week's earnings — perhaps several hundred dollars at most. Instead, they opened a spigot of unlimited cash available in sums of $10,000, $20,000 and even $40,000 per A.T.M. There were as many as 30,000 cards issued to 14- to 24-year-olds who could not be paid via direct deposit. The fraudulent use, from July 11 to 13, is being investigated by the city agency that oversees the program and by the Police Department's Financial Crimes Task Force. Some of the young people in the program were selling their cards for $1,000 apiece, according to the law enforcement officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about an active investigation. In videos on TikTok and Instagram around the time the scam was underway, some teenagers and adults boasted about it and encouraged people to sell their cards to them. 'We're making bread, we're printing money right now,' one man said in a video posted on TikTok. Referring to the jobs program, the Summer Youth Employment Program, he added: 'If you work S.Y.E.P., hit me up.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Business Wire
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CYBER.ORG Launches Cybersecurity Job Corps Pilot in D.C. School District to Expand Career Pathways and Strengthen Domestic Workforce
BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, – an academic initiative of the Cyber Innovation Center – announced its cybersecurity workforce development pilot program taking place within the D.C. School District. The six-week program runs from June 23 rd -August 1 st with participation from Ballou High school, Cesar Chavez Public Charter School, and Archbishop Carroll Private School. The initiative introduces students to cybersecurity fundamentals such as coding and cyber defense, offers hands-on experience with real-world scenarios, and highlights pathways to industry certifications and higher education. In collaboration with local leaders, workforce development organizations, and elected officials, aims to build a strong pipeline for future growth, including summer youth employment opportunities. Designed to be both scalable and adaptable, the model can move from school to school and be implemented in districts nationwide – from rural areas to major metro regions – to help close the cybersecurity workforce gap. The United States currently has only enough cybersecurity professionals to fill 74% of open roles, with more than 514,000 cyber-related job listings posted between May 2024 and April 2025. 'Our D.C. Revenue Bond Program supports educational initiatives across all levels. We have successfully closed several bonds with both public charter and private schools throughout the city. Cybersecurity programs are helping to develop a critical and in-demand workforce that we aim to expand within the district. These programs play a key role in enhancing the city's capacity to build a diverse and skilled talent pipeline,' said William A. Liggins, director of D.C. Revenue Bond Program. 'We look forward to evaluating the impact of this summer's cyber program and how it will be integrated into school curricula in the upcoming academic year. The vision is for these initiatives to equip students with the training needed to obtain both entry-level and advanced certifications in the field.' Most participating students are also enrolled in the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). A majority of these students have committed to enrolling in cyber education classes under the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways Program for elective credit in the SY 25-26 fall semester. 'With education largely shaped at the state level, is committed to serving as a flexible resource that can be tailored to meet the unique, local needs of any district,' said Charlene Cooper, interim executive director of 'What begins this summer is just the first step in a longer journey. Early demand has already exceeded expectations, with communities eager to bring cybersecurity education to more students and schools. We're working closely with D.C. to build a model that evolves over multiple academic cycles, incorporates real-time learnings, and lays the foundation for district-wide implementation.' To learn more about and replicating this program at your school, visit About is a cybersecurity workforce development organization advancing K-12 cybersecurity education nationwide through no-cost curriculum and teacher professional development resources. Supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency through the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP) grant. provides educators and caregivers with resources and training to teach cybersecurity education to K-12 students nationwide. Today, over 30,000 teachers across all 50 states and four U.S. territories are enrolled in the content platform. As an affiliate of the Cyber Innovation Center, is committed to reaching over 50,000 educators by 2029, impacting over six million students nationwide. For more information, please visit
