Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ROC Youth Employment Network Programs (Generally)
What is the ROC Youth Employment Network?
The ROC Youth Employment Network unifies in name and application process, the after school and summer youth employment programs offered by the City of Rochester and Monroe County (NY) administered by RochesterWorks. The ROC Your Job (RYJ) Youth After School Employment Program, the Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP), and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) are all included.
Who’s Eligible?
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. Youth attending college are not eligible.
County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet the 2025-2026 Poverty Guidelines.
Youth regardless of residency and/or household income will compete for employment opportunities offered through the ROC Youth Employment Network’s ROC Your Job Youth After School Employment Program (RYJ-RochesterWorks), Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP-City of Rochester), and Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP-RochesterWorks). No youth is guaranteed a job.
What Jobs are Available?
Youth who are offered employment through these programs will work in recreation centers, community-based organizations, colleges, or private and public organizations throughout the community. View a list of programs and worksites from previous years here.
Can I apply even though I don’t have an updated Work Permit?
Yes. The first step is to complete the online application. If the applicant does not have a work permit, they must upload all other required documents. The ROC Youth Employment Network Team will place the file on hold until the work permit is received. Once the applicant submits the work permit, their file will be reviewed based on where we are in the approval process. A current Work Permit will be required prior to job placement. No exceptions. Note: You must have an updated physical in order to get a work permit, so please apply early.
Can I apply even if I am going to summer school/TASC (GED)?
Yes, but available working hours/opportunities may be limited.
Should I apply even if I don’t have 90% attendance at my school or program? Yes, however, employers know that a student’s school attendance is an indication of your attendance on the job. Make every effort to attend school every day!
Do I have to go through Job Readiness Training if I went through one last year?
If you are between 14-15 years old, you will receive job readiness training if hired through the program.
Can I sign up for the same job I did last year?
There is no guarantee that the job you worked last year will be available. Youth and parents should not call employers prior to being hired. This may jeopardize the program. The process is competitive and no jobs are guaranteed.
Can I apply if I am not in middle school, high school, or a TASC/GED program (i.e., I am a college student)?
No. College students should visit a RochesterWorks Career Center for more information about what programs and services may be available to them.
I am 13 going on 14, can I still apply?
Youth must be 14 years-old at the time their application is submitted. Youth that are younger are encouraged to apply to next year’s program.
ROC Your Job Youth After School Employment Program (Specifically)
What is ROC Your Job?
Roc Your Job is an initiative of Monroe County and RochesterWorks, supported by funding from New York State. It is an extension of the Summer Youth Employment Program and open to City of Rochester and Monroe County teens ages 14 – 20. Priority is given to low-and moderate-income families as shown in the 2025-2026 Poverty Guidelines (under 200% Federal Poverty Rate).
When are ROC Your Job positions available?
Positions are available September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
How do I apply for ROC Your Job?
The online application for the ROC Youth Employment Network will be used for both summer and after-school employment requests. When you complete the online application, you have the opportunity to indicate which program you are interested in, or if you’d like to be considered for both.
