State announces $27.5 million for Youth Summer Jobs Program

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced this week that more than 18,000 young people from low-income households will gain valuable work experience, and a much-needed paycheck, through New York State’s Summer Youth Employment Program. The program connects participants to jobs and helps them acquire skills they can use in school and beyond.

Orange County is slated to receive $411,661 of the $27.5 million of the state's funding of the program.

"Helping young New Yorkers find good summer jobs will expand their opportunities and allow them to gain valuable work experience as they prepare for future employment,” Cuomo said in his press release announcing the funding. “By building a skilled work force, we are strengthening New York’s economy today, while giving young New Yorkers across the state a chance at a brighter future.”

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is distributing $27.5 million across the state to fund the 2014 Summer Youth Employment Program. Young people in the program will work in places such as school districts, parks, nursing homes, summer camps, child care organizations, senior citizens centers and community recreation centers.

Businesses currently participating in the Summer Youth Employment Programs say it benefits both the students and employers, adding that some teens are hired in full-time positions after their program is complete.

To be eligible for the program, participants must be between the ages 14 and 20, and their total family income must be below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, the income for a family of three must be below $39,060 a year.

Those who are eligible and interested in participating should contact their local department of social services. To find out how, visit the OTDA website at http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp.