Two hundred young people in Mount Vernon are stepping into the professional world this summer.

Young people ages 14 to 21 gathered at Mount Vernon City Hall for their official orientation into the city's Youth Bureau Summer Employment program. They were selected from thousands of applicants, vying for summer jobs.

For many of the nearly employed, the orientation is more than just a ceremony, it's the start to their lives as working professionals.

"It's a great accomplishment," says Nathaniel Daley. "I am about to go to college so this will be nice before I go off."

Mount Vernon officials say the youth employment program is positive proof that the city is investing in Westchester's future.