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Promoting the NY Youth Works Program to Local Employers
In January, Governor Cuomo announced the beginning of NY Youth Works (NYYW), a program aimed at providing private-sector jobs for urban youths, ages 16 to 24, in communities across New York like Rochester, where unemployment among young people is an unacceptable 23 percent.
 Today at the Lyell Avenue Wegmans, NYS Department of Labor Special Counsel Rachel Gold held a press conference to promote NYYW to local businesses. I want to add my voice to hers, because this is a program I'm proud to have supported, and another example of the Governor's leadership in the fight to rebuild New York's economy.
Created last December during a special legislative session, NYYW earmarked $25 million in tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed and disadvantaged youth and another $62 million for job training initiatives.
To be eligible, youths must be unemployed and meet one of 12 other criteria, including family members on public assistance, pregnancy or homelessness. Along with employment opportunities, NYYW provides occupational and basic life-skills training.
I hope Rochester area employees will respond to the Governor's call, and that we will now begin to break down the barriers that have too long stood in the way of disadvantaged youths seeking a better future for themselves and their families.
Click here for more information about the program.
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