City summer youth employment signups now open!

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The City of Albany is accepting registration through March 31 for the 2026 LIGHT Summer Youth Employment Program.

The LIGHT Program – Learning, Initiative and Gaining Headway Together – will run from July 6–August 7.

The program is open to youth aged 14-18 who live in Albany. Youth employees will work up to 20 hours per week, earn $16.00 per hour and must meet all eligibility and orientation requirements to participate.

In order to complete the registration process, you will need to:

  • Fill out the online application by noon on March 31;
  • Print out and complete the payroll packet (it will be e-mailed to you once online registration is completed);
  • Attend an in-person registration event from Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 10, from 3-6 p.m at Albany West Community Center, 520 Livingston Avenue and Saturdays. The day you attend is based of your last name:
    • Mondays A-D
    • Tuesdays E-H
    • Wednesdays I-L
    • Thursdays M-Q
    • Fridays R-Z
  • If you are unable to attend your in-person registration event during the window above, you can schedule an appointment on either March 28 or April 4, from 9 a.m-12 p.m at the Youth Opportunity Office, 382 Clinton Avenue

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served process, and registration does not guarantee a paid work experience.

To learn more, visit the city's website. 

You also can call or email with questions at (518) 447-5977 or SYEP@AlbanyNY.gov 

This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.