Hire-a-youth program seeks Yonkers businesses

The Yonkers Workforce Investment Board aims to place more than 500 city youths in summer jobs at area businesses through its new Hire-A-Yonkers-Youth program.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, who announced the program launch, said it seeks paid summer employment at businesses for workers ages 14 through 21.

“Connecting our youth with our local businesses who can serve as mentors in the community will make a positive impact in their lives for years to come,” Spano said. “We all remember our first summer job and how it taught us the value of a dollar ”“ we want them to have the same experience. I urge our Yonkers community to assist our young men and women and take part in building their future.”

The city already has matched 175 youths with available summer jobs. City officials said local businesses, including the Greenway ShopRite, All State Insurance, Home Depot and Alter Ego, have committed to providing an additional two dozen jobs as part of the Hire-A-Yonkers-Youth program.

Yonkers Workforce Investment Board director Sean McGrail in a press release said the new program “will provide youth with paid summer jobs, creating a system to help young people gain work experience, build communication skills and develop a strong work ethic that will ensure a stronger workforce for Yonkers businesses.”

Businesses interested in hiring a Yonkers youth should contact the Yonkers Workforce Investment Board at 914-963-1730.