Governor Hochul Announces More Than $46 Million to Provide Summer Jobs for Disadvantaged Youth

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $46 million will be available to support New York State's Summer Youth Employment Program this year. Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the program introduces young people from low-income families into the labor market so they can develop useful skills that will help them improve school performance and become responsible adults.

"The Summer Youth Employment program represents a smart, targeted investment in the next generation of our workforce that will pay dividends for New York State," Governor Hochul said. "We are committed to tearing down barriers to entry into the labor market for disadvantaged youth, and the young people who participate in this program will learn valuable skills, the importance of educational achievement, and above all, will be put on a path toward success."

"The Summer Youth Employment Program administered by OTDA keeps kids busy, off the streets and away from their devices by providing them real work experience," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "This program gives kids who might otherwise not have the opportunity the chance to develop real life skills that will stay with them for life. It is incumbent upon us as a state to ensure that all of our kids, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin or how they grew up, have the opportunity to improve their lives."

The Summer Youth Employment program supports communities across the state in creating summer jobs for youth from low-income families, including communities where youth are vulnerable or susceptible to gun violence. Participants work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, nursing homes, summer camps, childcare organizations, senior citizen centers and community recreation centers, among others.

The program complements the Governor's comprehensive plan to address gun violence, including the expansion of SNUG Street Outreach programs which help mediate conflicts and mentor youth.

To be eligible for the 2022 program, young people must be ages 14 to 20 and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level or $46,060 for a family of three. Employers can use the funds to subsidize wages, support education and training activities, as well as offer case management and employment-related services, such as transportation to and from work. Young people interested in participating can contact their local department of social services.

The program served more than 18,500 young people last year, providing them with valuable workforce experience, and often results in improved academic performance afterward.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "The impact that a positive workforce experience can have on youth cannot be overstated, especially for those young people coming from low-income households. There is a growing body of research that examines the numerous and wide-ranging benefits of this program since low-income youth often face a challenging transition to living wage work and higher education. In addition to the income it provides, the Summer Youth Employment Program can help these youth to recognize the importance of educational achievement and ultimately expand their career aspirations."

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, "The Summer Youth Employment Program is a catalyst for change among young New Yorkers who may otherwise not have a similar opportunity to learn, grow and build their resumes through paid summer employment. SYEP pairs tens of thousands of young people across New York State with meaningful employment in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The $46 million investment from New York State helps ensure that youth from the most economically constrained households have this wonderful opportunity."

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, "The investment in the Summer Youth Employment Program will continue to pay off for years to come. Young people who participate in summer youth employment programs often experience greater academic success while having an opportunity to explore a variety of career paths. This year's investment of more than $46 million in the program will enable counties across the state to support disadvantaged youth while also helping facilities like parks, summer camps, childcare organizations, senior citizen centers and recreation centers gain valuable assistance. As we provide thousands of youth an opportunity to gain useful work experience this summer, we will also be helping to equip them with the skills and education necessary to achieve their goals later in life."