FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Who is eligible for the program?
Youth between the ages of 14-20 years old currently enrolled in middle or high school/TASC (GED) program that live within the City of Rochester or Monroe County. County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet the 2025-2026 Poverty Guidelines. Youth must be at least 14 years of age at time of application submission. Youth attending college are not eligible.
My child was the first to turn in an application and they still did not obtain a job! Why?
Youth are not placed based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who completed the entire application process are eligible to competitively interview for appropriate assignments. The number of available assignments and applicants competing for them varies each year. Regardless of residency and/or household income, youth will competitively compete for employment opportunities offered through the ROC Youth Employment Network. No youth is guaranteed a job.
Can my child apply if we do not live in the City of Rochester?
Yes. The summer youth employment program is for youth living within Monroe County including the City of Rochester. County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet 200% of the 2025-2026 Poverty Guidelines to be eligible.
Are there any income guidelines/requirements?
Our youth employment positions are funded through a variety of sources. Dependent upon the requirements attached to these sources we may require income and/or residency verification (i.e. address, public assistance, free/reduced lunch, foster care, and family income at or below the 200% poverty guidelines). It is extremely important that all necessary income information is noted on the parent signature page in order to match the youth with the appropriate opportunity. Incomplete applications will be considered as over-income guidelines.
Why do I have to provide my financial information?
A portion of the program is publicly funded and requires supporting documentation. In most cases in order for a youth to participate, confirmation that household income meets the eligibility guidelines is required. Under these guidelines, everyone working in the home must be noted on the income section of the parent signature page. It is not necessary to bring proof of income with the required documentation. If there are questions, you may be required to submit proof of income at a later date.
What can I do as a parent/guardian to improve the chances of my youth obtaining a job?
Read all of the materials and be sure that your child follows through on everything that is requested and/or required. Youth that have parental support generally improve their chances of gaining employment.
Is it true that youth who do not dress appropriately at program-related functions are being asked to reschedule?
Yes. Youth are expected to wear professional attire. In the world of work, first impressions can be very important to secure a job. It is our goal to hold youth applicants to these standards. Contact us if you would like recommendations on where to find appropriate and/or inexpensive professional attire.
Where will my youth be working?
Each eligible youth’s job will be dependent on their age and eligibility (among other factors). All students will be interviewing and competing for the positions available. No youth is guaranteed a job.
What is the Parent Orientation?
The Parent Orientation is an optional video for all parents/guardians of interested youth to introduce them to the program and provide details on participation.
