Summer Youth Employment Programs as a Structural Approach to Prevent Youth Violence: an Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Criminology
• Sociology

Background:

• Racial and ethnic disparities in youth violence necessitate structural interventions.
• Discussions on structural interventions often overlook existing programs like Summer Youth Employment Programs (SYEPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative review of evaluation studies on SYEPs.
• To re-examine the evidence and arguments for SYEPs as viable solutions for youth violence.
• To highlight SYEPs' potential in addressing disparities in youth violence.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review of 13 evaluation studies on SYEPs.
• Studies were identified from Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Cuyahoga County, OH, and Washtenaw County, MI.
• Analysis focused on SYEPs' impact on determinants of youth violence.

Main Results:

• SYEPs impact behavioral and sociocultural determinants of youth violence at individual, interpersonal, and community levels.
• No evaluations reported on societal-level determinants.
• Well-designed SYEPs are sustainable, address multiple levels of influence, and serve disproportionately affected youth.

Conclusions:

• SYEPs are viable structural interventions that address youth violence disparities.
• Making SYEPs universal can address societal-level employment opportunities for youth.
• SYEPs align with key components of effective interventions for youth violence reduction.