Atlanta’s future workforce took center stage Wednesday evening as city leaders, employers, and community partners gathered for the ADOLES Business Mixer at Pittsburgh Yards. The event honored the businesses that stepped up during the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and highlighted how those partnerships are opening doors for young people across the city.
Hosted by the City’s Department of Labor and Employment Services, the evening brought together more than 100 business leaders and signature program partners who offered paid, meaningful work experiences to Atlanta youth—many for the first time.
Why it matters to Atlanta families and businesses
For thousands of students, SYEP is more than a summer paycheck. It’s an introduction to professional environments, new skills, and a clearer sense of what’s possible after graduation. For employers, it’s a chance to shape the next generation of talent while strengthening Atlanta’s workforce pipeline.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined the celebration to thank employers for opening their doors and believing in young people who are just starting their careers. He emphasized that partnerships like these are essential to making Atlanta a city of opportunity for all.
By the numbers: SYEP 2025
The results from last summer show just how much momentum the program has built:
- More than 7,500 young people registered to participate—a 15% increase over 2024.
- 5,944 youth were placed in jobs, exceeding the City’s hiring goal.
- Youth working with the City of Atlanta earned an average of $18.01 per hour and logged more than 245,000 hours on the job.
- 231 businesses registered to participate—more than double the number from the year before.
Through a partnership with Annie E. Casey Foundation, the City also piloted a Summer-to-Permanent Placement model, moving a dozen young people into permanent, living-wage jobs, with a goal of reaching 50 placements by October.
Honoring employers who go the extra mile
The evening included awards recognizing standout partners for their leadership and commitment, including honors for Workforce Champion, Employer Leadership, Signature Program Impact, and Workforce Partnership Excellence. Each award reflected a shared belief: when businesses invest in youth, the entire city benefits.
The mixer also spotlighted signature programs that create hands-on learning opportunities for younger participants. One example is Chess and Community, which uses chess, STEM, and robotics to build problem-solving and leadership skills for Atlanta students. The organization hosted the event at Pittsburgh Yards, reinforcing how community spaces and youth programs work hand in hand.
What’s next
City leaders encouraged employers to stay engaged beyond the summer—by mentoring, expanding placements, and exploring long-term hiring pathways for young people who show promise and dedication.
Learn more or get involved: Businesses interested in participating in future SYEP cycles can explore opportunities through the City of Atlanta’s Department of Labor and Employment Services and help continue building pathways that last well beyond the summer.
