New York puts $30 million toward youth summer jobs

Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced $30 million will go to New York communities to support summer jobs for youths from low-income families.

“Landing that first summer job has a positive effect on young people that spans well into adulthood,” Cuomo said in the announcement of the funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program. “By funding these positions we are giving businesses the summer help they need, as well as creating opportunity for youth to both earn a paycheck and learn valuable skills that will last a lifetime.”

The funding is expected to support summer jobs for 18,000 young New Yorkers.

To be eligible, young people must be ages 14 to 20 and have a family income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (or $39,850 for a family of three). Employers can use the funds to subsidize wages, support education and training activities, as well as offer counseling and employment-related services, such as transportation to and from work.

Young people interested in participating can contact their local department of social services.

Funding amounts vary widely by county:

”¢ Dutchess ”“ $367,264
”¢ Orange ”“ $458,847
”¢ Putnam ”“ $58,264
”¢ Rockland ”“ $331,224
”¢ Sullivan ”“ $126,644
”¢ Ulster ”“ $244,631
”¢ Westchester ”“ $825,540

In addition to the Summer Youth Employment program, $20 million in tax credits is available to businesses through the Urban Youth Jobs Program, formerly called New York Youth Works. The program encourages businesses to hire disadvantaged young people who are age 16 to 24 in communities that include Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains and Yonkers.