NEW YORK – New York State will invest more than $ 76 million to create job opportunities and community activities for youth during the summer, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday as part of his plan to combat gun violence.
The governor noted that the increase in gun violence began when, due to COVID, many young people stopped attending school and work and interruptions in services and social supports left them at risk and without safe and productive places to go. during the day. Cuomo said research has shown that summer employment programs reduce the likelihood of engaging in violence by 45 percent and that is why the State will invest $ 76 million to create jobs and community activities for at-risk youth to help them. to get off the streets.
In light of this, New York will fund more than 21,000 youth jobs this summer, with initial job-creation commitments from UFT, 32BJ, MTA, Partnership for NYC, tI: NYC, NYC Hospitality Alliance, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and New York State Parks. Salaries for these job opportunities will be paid by the State.
The state will also partner with the Consortium for Worker Education, the workforce development arm of the NYC Central Labor Council, to provide new job training, training stipends, credentialing and long-term paid job placement for 2,400 out-of-school youth living in the neighborhoods most affected by armed violence.
In addition, New York will increase funds available for sports, arts and recreation facilities this summer. Additional funding will be prioritized for programs within communities identified as hotspots.
How the Summer Youth Program Works
The New York State Summer Youth Employment Program introduces young people to the workforce and helps them acquire skills that can be used to improve school performance and future career outcomes. Participating in summer jobs can reduce the likelihood of engaging in violence. With the additional funding from New York State, additional employment opportunities can be provided to youth residing in 21 communities facing high rates of gun violence.
Participants who meet the criteria for this anti-violence initiative can be individuals between the ages of 14 and 24 who reside in households with incomes equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
A constructive work experience can provide low-income youth with the necessary income and also help them acquire additional skills to improve the transition to work or college.
To see the list of participating communities and information about the programs in different parts state visit this website.
– .
