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Student intern and Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) participant Romello Garfield begins RochesterWorks' new AI Literacy Training. Offered at no cost to every 2026 SYEP participant, the curriculum is designed to build foundational AI knowledge and workplace readiness skills.

ROCHESTER, NY, June 30, 2026—As RochesterWorks launches its 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) on July 13, more than 500 young people across Monroe County will gain meaningful work experience while participating in a new paid Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy training initiative designed to prepare them for the rapidly evolving workforce.

New this year, every RochesterWorks SYEP participant will have the opportunity to complete a customized online AI learning curriculum in addition to their summer job placement. The initiative reflects RochesterWorks' ongoing commitment to ensuring young people develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

"The workplace is changing faster than ever, and we want the young people we serve to be ready for what's next," said Dave Seeley, Chief Executive Officer of RochesterWorks. "By combining meaningful work experience with AI literacy training, we're giving participants the opportunity to build confidence, earn valuable credentials, and develop practical skills that will benefit them long after the summer ends. This initiative reflects our commitment to preparing tomorrow's workforce while helping today's youth succeed."

Through the AI curriculum, provided at no cost to SYEP participants on the Salesforce Trailhead platform, participants will build foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, digital literacy, workplace technology, and responsible AI use while earning income through their summer employment experience. The customized online learning pathway introduces youth to AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, ethical and responsible use of AI, data privacy and security, and practical workplace applications.

Designed specifically for youth ages 14 to 20, the curriculum emphasizes workforce readiness rather than technical programming or coding. Participants will learn how AI is being used across businesses and organizations, how to evaluate AI-generated information critically, and how to use emerging technologies safely, responsibly, and effectively.

The training takes about 4.5 hours to complete and participants have through August 21, 2026 to do so. Youth who successfully complete the training will receive a $100 Walmart gift card and earn industry-recognized digital credentials and a professional digital badge that can be showcased on resumes, college applications, LinkedIn profiles, and other professional networking platforms.

"Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of every industry, and our youth deserve early access, exposure, and confidence using these tools," said Antwan Williams, Director of Youth System Services at RochesterWorks. "When we introduce AI in a responsible and practical way, we help young people build skills, think creatively, and see themselves as part of the future workforce."

RochesterWorks is investing in the future of Monroe County's workforce by dedicating up to five percent of its 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program allocation to support the initiative, recognizing the growing importance of AI literacy across virtually every career field.

The AI training complements RochesterWorks' longstanding Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which connects hundreds of young people each summer with meaningful work experiences, career exploration opportunities, professional development, and connections to employers throughout Monroe County. Together, the combination of paid work experience and AI literacy training provides participants with valuable tools to help them thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Funding for SYEP is generously provided by Monroe County.

For more information about RochesterWorks' Summer Youth Employment Program, visit www.rochesterworks.org.