Youth Services
About
The City of Rochester believes in empowering our young people to reach their fullest potential. Tha'ts why we offer a wide range of innovative programs and resources designed to support youth development, academic success, and personal growth.
Our teams provide safe spaces, engaging activities, and mentorship opportunities that help kids and teens thrive in school, at home, and in their communities. From after-school programs and summer camps to career readiness initiatives and leadership development, our offerings are tailored to meet the unique needs of Rochester’s diverse youth population.
By investing in our young people, we’re not just creating brighter futures for individuals — we’re strengthening Rochester as a whole. Join us in celebrating and supporting the next generation of leaders, creators, and innovators.
Discover how we can make a difference together — explore our programs and services today!
Contact:
Department of Recreation and Human Services
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed 1 - 2 p.m.)
Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP)
The City of Rochester is partnering with RochesterWorks to offer employment and internships through the Summer of Opportunity Program/Summer Youth Employment Program (SOOP/SYEP) for youth ages 14–20.
Gain real-world experience with a diverse range of employers and internship partners from the greater Rochester community. The program provides six to eight weeks of paid work experience for youth currently enrolled in middle school, high school, or actively pursuing a high school equivalency.
Youth Employment Services (YES)
Youth Employment Services (YES) offers a program for youth ages 14-20, who are enrolled in middle school, high school or TASC program.
YES helps youth develop interpersonal and professional skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
Learn more: Youth Employment Services (YES)
Reach Inside and Strive for Excellence (RISE)
The RISE health education team serves the Rochester community through NYS approved Evidence-Based curricula, community-based programming, outreach and educational activities.
Through the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) and the Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CAPP) grants, RISE seeks to reduce the rates of unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and HIV in the Rochester community. Serving youth ages 10–18 years of age, RISE seeks to provide the knowledge, confidence, skills and resources necessary to make healthy, informed decisions. RISE also offers workshops for parents, caregivers and professionals to support safe adults in Caring Conversations.
To partner with us or for more information about our programming, contact us at: 428-6899 or email RISE@cityofrochester.gov.
My Brother's Keeper (MBK)
MBK’s programs are dedicated to fostering the social-emotional development and overall well-being of black and brown youth throughout Rochester. At ROC MBK, we are committed to supporting the MBK movement by offering high quality programming and events, and participating in initiatives that support the following MBK milestones:
• Ensuring healthy starts and readiness for school entry
• Achieving proficiency in reading by the third grade (age 8)
• Graduating from high school with readiness for college and career
• Completing post-secondary education or training
• Successfully entering the workforce
• Keeping our youth on track and safeguarding them from violent crime
While promoting brotherhood, MBK programming cultivates leadership and supports young men to achieve their full potential. Year-round civic engagement and community activities are added frequently. For more information call at 695-3476 or email ROC MBK@CityofRochester.Gov
Youth Leadership, Career Engagement and Business Education (YLCB)
YLCB is a coalition of youth programs representing the expressive and advancement opportunities for youth in Rochester.
Get at least $1,000 for the program year!
Biz Kid$
Although we ensure that scholars know the ins and outs of youth entrepreneurship. We also teach scholars to build and develop new and old skills. Some skills that we work on are as follows:
- Leadership skills
- Social communication skills
- Creative skills
- Public speaking
- Professionalism
- Graphic design skills
After learning entrepreneurship skills through a week-long camp, participants can apply to become Biz Kid$ Reals to work with our campers.
For more information contact: email Yassir.Smith@cityofrochester.gov.
Mayor's Youth Academy (MYA)
The Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) is an internship program for 10 youth ages 14-19 in high school that focuses on leadership/career development for growth.
The youth will be placed in various City departments of their interest, with each youth paired with a department/bureau liaison.
For more information, email Yassir.Smith@cityofrochester.gov.
Youth Voice One Vision (YVOV): The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council
Youth Voice, One Vision is a group of young people who represent the voice and issues of the youth in Rochester as the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Our committees work together to create opportunities, events, and activities that inspire change and unite our community positively!
- Executive Committee
- Community Engagement Committee
- Public Safety Committee
- Mental Health Subcommittee
- Video Media Crew Subcommittee
For more information contact: Tremain Harris, 585-428-6360, Tremain.Harris@cityofrochester.gov
Mayor's Mentor Up Program
The Mayor's Mentor Up Program is an annual exceptional free event supported by local chapters of international fraternities, community agencies, residents, area colleges, and business leaders.
This gathering serves as a pivotal platform for forging connections, where youth ages 14-18 can interact with peers and local leaders in a formal, enjoyable, and relaxed atmosphere. The event strives to facilitate natural mentor-mentee pairings that can lead to internships and job prospects for local high school students.