NYC Mayor Eric Adams Visited Reel Works!

This summer, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor Almanzar, and Commissioner Keith Howard visited Reel Works to celebrate 60 years of the Summer Youth Education Program (SYEP), which connects NYC Youth with quality summer jobs. Over 40 SYEP students joined to honor the program's success! 

Mayor Eric Adams stated, "Reel Works is doing something powerful where we're never going to live these times again. And so, if we don't document them, if we don't tell our own narrative, our own story…And that's what SYEP is about.” He continued, “This is an amazing accomplishment. We want you to reach out and leave this Summer Youth Employment experience knowing the diverse people who live in this city…And so I want to thank Reel Works for really opening your doors, giving this great opportunity to our young people."

SYEP allows Reel Works to support the next generation of storytellers. Shanika Russell, a Reel Works' SYEP student, shared her decision to join: "I chose Reel Works as my current SYEP worksite so that I can gain experience in the media industry." While reflecting on the program’s impact, Shanika said, "I would encourage high school students to join SYEP because it would allow them to identify their career goals and interests, help them build their resume, gain money, and allow them to be independent just like me."

The afternoon was filled with excitement. Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor Almanzar, and Commissioner Keith Howard engaged in a live camera demonstration and mock interview led by Reel Works students. 

Reel Works is grateful to Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Ana Almanzar, and Commissioner Howard for joining our Summer Youth Engagement Program kickoff and engaging with our students! This experience inspired students to imagine a more inclusive media system while feeling supported by New York City officials.