$40 Million in Funding Set for Phase 2 of Statewide Youth Employment Program

A shot of the Lewiston Opera Hall in Lewiston, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently celebrated the next phase of New York’s Youth Employment Program, which includes an allocation of nearly $40 million in funding to be distributed statewide. 

“Public safety is my top priority, and I’ll never stop fighting to keep the people of this state safe and working to protect our most vulnerable youth,” Hochul stated of the program. “The Youth Employment Program strengthens my administration’s comprehensive approach to ending the scourge of gun violence in communities across New York State, while providing at-risk youth with valuable work experience and skills that will help ensure that they have strong futures.”

Much of the $38.8 million total awarded will fund training and year-round job opportunities for youth across New York state, with approximately 2,500 positions estimated to be created from September 2024 to June 2025.

“The Youth Employment Program is a critical component of New York State’s efforts to promote positive youth development, employability skills, and eventual self-sufficiency,” remarked New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden of the program. “The comprehensive approach of providing constructive activities during unsupervised time and opportunities for youth to gain legal means of income despite illicit alternatives, is necessary if we are to reduce gun violence and crime. Research indicates that youth employment decreases the chance of youth arrests for crime by 17%, hence the Governor’s wise choice in investing in year-round youth employment opportunities.”

Here is the breakdown of the total $38.8 million funding by region: Capital Region - $2,513,157, Central New York - $3,053,407, Finger Lakes - $3,945,970, Long Island - $7,941,588, Mid-Hudson - $10,526,973, Mohawk Valley - $1,339,113, North Country - $511,728, Southern Tier - $2,090,487, and Western New York - $6,877,577.

“We know that by providing vulnerable at-risk youth with valuable work experience and career support, we can help protect them from the long-term impacts that the destructive cycle of gun violence can have on our communities,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn commented of the program. “The Youth Employment Program will help us build on the success of the Summer Youth Employment Program by creating more year-round work opportunities for at-risk youth in parts of the state most directly impacted by gun violence and helping to support safer and stronger communities.”

The Youth Employment Program’s second phase will begin in September and run to June of 2025. To participate, youth should be between age 14-20 and their household must have a total household income below 200% of the federal poverty level to qualify. 

“Employment gives young New Yorkers not only a sense of purpose and direction, but also the knowledge and skills they need to build a brighter, more secure future,” noted New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon of the program. “I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to workforce development, especially for our youth, who will ultimately power the economy of tomorrow.”

The most recent phase, which ran from January 1 thru June 30, 2024 saw roughly 2,650 program participants, working at a variety of job sites, including community centers, schools, libraries, restaurants, and camp/childcare programs. 

“Just as we partner with local law enforcement agencies working to further drive down gun violence, we support community-based organizations providing mentoring, and programs and services for youth and families,” Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said of the program. “Access to year-round employment for youth is critical and complements our efforts. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership on this public health issue and commitment to funding programs that allow youth, families, and communities to thrive.”