Big bucks for young workers—that's the latest move by Atlanta's City Hall as Mayor Andre Dickens dishes out $2 million to back the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Riding on the coattails of Councilmember Andrea L. Boone's legislation, the city council stamped the green light on these funds, pulling from the FY 2024 General Fund to offer up jobs across a range of industries.

Mayor Dickens, who initiated the SYEP back in '22, said, “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps our young people come into their own by creating paid opportunities that provide work experience and life skills that can help prepare them for the future.” He didn't miss the chance to extend thanks to Councilmember Boone and the City Council for supporting the youth, saying Atlanta's got their back, according to a statement released by the City of Atlanta. But the Mayor's not done playing talent scout, urging local powerhouses and charities to get on board the job train.

Last year's scoreboard tallied 5,418 sign-ups and 157 employers locking arms with the program. More than just pocket change, these gigs are laying down an average hourly wage of $17.27, way above the minimum wage hustle. Youths looking to cash in on this summer's game plan, or big wigs aiming to draft some young blood, can head over to atlyearoftheyouth.com for the playbook.

With the 2023 SYEP earning a nod for putting thousands of young Atlantans on a path with solid paychecks, hopes are sky-high for the upcoming run. For a deep dive into last year's action or to get in on the game, the full court press is up and running on their site. Here's a tip—lock in early or watch from the sidelines.