Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor of Job Creation and Workforce Development Rahaman Muhammad, Youth Services Director Iasia Hemingway and Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) mentors and participants held a press conference today to kick off Newark’s 2025 SYEP for Newark youth aged 14 to 24, and present a $3,324,450 check.

The press conference singled out two programs being offered this year: the Vulcan Pioneers which introduces youth to careers in firefighting and public service, and the entrepreneurship program Boss UP, which instills financial literacy skills relevant to every vocation.

“Newark has transformed itself from a dismissed and discarded urban community, to one teaming with great promise and fulfillment. Our SYEP is unmistakable proof of that, as opportunity knocks every summertime for our kids to explore a full spectrum of summer jobs that prepare them for lifetime careers,” said Mayor Baraka. “These jobs far exceed the kind of menial work I was given during high school summers, and truly offer pathways to developing talents and gaining experience in areas of interest. I am grateful to the city’s Philanthropic Liaison Kevin Callaghan who has collaborated with each of the generous sponsors behind this invaluable gift to Newark's youth, and meaningful investment in our city’s future.”

Specific classes for the 15 participants of the Vulcan Pioneers of NJ Explorers Program will include six weeks of hands-on training in engine and truck operation, CPR, search and rescue, hydrant use, building construction, and professional development. Select participants will complete a certified fire inspection course, preparing them for future roles in fire prevention and code enforcement. By graduation, explorers are CPR certified, equipped with practical skills, and connected to mentors—positioning them for fire academy enrollment, EMS work, or other public safety career paths.

Boss UP program participants will use real-world tools to build credit, control budgets, manage accounts, plan for investment, understand taxes and loans and other skills that create financial confidence and competence.

“When we invest in young people, we’re not just shaping their future – we're empowering tomorrow's leaders to shape ours,” said Deputy Mayor Muhammad. “Often, our leadership skills blossom when someone believes in our potential before the rest of the world sees it."

This year Newark hired 2,000 students, who will work at 180 separate worksites or employers.

"Your imperfections are what make you perfect in a world that often tries to convince you otherwise,” said Director Hemingway. “No matter your background, upbringing, or shortcomings, know that you are worthy, you are blessed, and you are exactly where you’re meant to be here at the Youth One-Stop shop!"

The Vulcan Pioneers of New Jersey is an African American organization, founded in 1957. Presently, the goal of this organization is to promote a program that will develop the next generation of firefighters. Therefore, the Vulcan Explorer Ignite Program will introduce the City of Newark youths to various careers within the Fire Division.

“This program is a powerful investment in the future of the community through structured physical training, technical instruction, and community engagement,”said Latina Byrd, mentor and Secretary, Vulcan Pioneers of Newark. “It serves as a vital bridge between public safety services and the next generation of leaders. At the heart of this initiative are the several core values that shape its purpose and direction: Service, Education, Discipline, Teamwork, Leadership, and Community Engagement.”

The SYEP entrepreneurship program Boss UP helped Isaiah Stewart, a student from last summer who went on to create his own financial literacy workbook, start a company, Money Moves, and write a book designed for youth, Money Moves: The Official Wealth Code for Teens. Stewart will be returning this summer to support the orientation sessions and guide new participants to understand the basics of financial literacy. Stewart exemplifies how the SYEP program is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders.

“No matter your zip code or your age, wealth starts in the mind. Money Moves: The Official Wealth Code for Teens isn’t just a book — it’s a mindset shift,” said Money Moves CEO Stewart. “I believe financial freedom is the first step to real freedom, and I’m here to show my generation that ownership, strategy, and belief can change everything.”

Newark’s focus this year is on meeting participants where they are and offering programs that align with their passions and career goals. Newark aims to demonstrate what the new workforce looks like and ensure that young adults understand that the city is providing services they are comfortable with, including both traditional corporate America jobs and alternative career paths.

Under the leadership of Mayor Baraka, the number of youth served by this program has tripled. This expansion is made possible by a public-private partnership led by the City of Newark and including Citi Foundation; Cities for Financial Empowerment; Edison Properties Newark Foundation; Horizon Foundation; JP Morgan Chase; M&T Bank; the Maher Charitable Foundation; the MCJ Amelior Foundation; New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development; Prudential Financial; PSEG Foundation; RWJ Barnabas Health; Santander; TD Bank; Victoria Foundation; and Wells Fargo.

For photos of the press conference, click here.

‍