GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES $27.5 MILLION FOR YOUTH SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM; $280K FOR ROCKLAND

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this week announced that more than 18,000 young people from low-income households will gain 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. “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,” Governor Cuomo said. “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. Of the $27.5 million, $279,648 will be allocated to Rockland County. 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.