WNY News Now

(WNY News Now) New York – Chautauqua County joins the statewide initiative to employ over 20,000 low-income youth this summer through New York State’s expanded Summer Youth Employment Program, with significant funding increases aimed at skill development and career exploration.

Chautauqua County is set to receive $479,107 as part of New York State’s comprehensive effort to employ more than 20,000 youth from low-income households this summer. This initiative, under the Summer Youth Employment Program, sees the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance distributing a total of $55 million across all 57 counties and New York City. This year’s funding reflects a notable $7.9 million increase over the previous year, intended to address minimum wage hikes and expand participant numbers.

Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers find good summer jobs that will give them valuable experience and skills to help prepare them for future employment. For many participants, this will be their first time in the workforce, and these new experiences will help them greatly as they pursue their educational and career goals into adulthood.”

The program targets youth aged 14 to 20 from households earning below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $51,640 for a family of three. Participants will have the opportunity to work in various entry-level positions across parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations.

The recent budget increase aims to accommodate rising wages and broaden the scope of the program, which successfully employed over 18,400 young people last summer. Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn highlighted the dual benefits of the program: providing a paycheck and essential life skills. “Youth who participate will learn or further develop crucial skills like reliability, the ability to carry out work duties, how to cooperatively accomplish goals as part of a team, and personal financial management and budgeting,” she said.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon and Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado also praised the initiative, noting its critical role in providing youth with valuable experience and enhancing public safety by engaging them in productive activities.

Chautauqua County, along with other counties across the state, is poised to leverage this program to foster a generation of young professionals equipped with the skills necessary for future success. The program’s comprehensive approach not only supports immediate employment needs but also contributes to long-term community strengthening and youth development.

Here is a list of funding for each county: