Summer youth employment programs (SYEPs) have become increasingly popular in cities and counties across the country, and are effective in reducing crime and incarceration among participants according to recent evaluations.  However, less is known about how they achieve these impacts, and which participants benefit the most. With more information about which program elements are the most effective, places can do more to ensure quality as they expand or launch programs.

This study used a randomized control trial to examine whether the Boston summer youth employment program reduced crime, and to explore whether short-term behavioral and attitudinal changes related to participation in the program are linked to crime reduction.  The main findings include:

  • Participants had fewer arraignments for violent and property crimes.
  • Participants showed improvements in their skills, attitudes, and aspirations.
  • Improvements in social and emotional skills were linked to the decline in arraignments.

Read the full article about the connection between summer jobs and youth crime reduction by Alicia Sasser Modestino at Brookings.