May 9, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON, MAYOR BLOOMBERG, CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION PUT NEW YORK’S LOWER-INCOME, UNEMPLOYED YOUTH TO WORK
GovernorAnnounces Nearly $100 Million in Federal Funding for Youth Employment
Funding Will Stimulate Local Economies Across New York; Will Create 50,000 Summer Youth Jobs – more than 27,000 in New York City
Governor David A. Paterson today was joined byNew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Congressman Charles Rangel, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Gregory Meeks and State and City officials in announcing nearly $100 million in federal funding for job creation, a portion of which will be used to assist New York’s lower-income youth in finding summer employment. This funding is expected to create 50,000 jobs statewide, including more than 27,000 jobs in New York City, which will stimulate local economies across New York. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will provide $61 million in funding, and an additional $35 million will be provided through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program, creating jobs for New York’s lower-income youth statewide.
These initiatives are critical in light of the soaring youth unemployment rate across the State. Over the past 12 months, the unemployment rate among 16-19 year-olds in New York City averaged 22.1 percent – nearly four times higher among the rest of the city’s residents. That estimate includes only young adults actively seeking employment.
“Unemployment among youth has far reaching consequences across society – from substance abuse to teen pregnancy to increased crime in our communities, making finding employment for youth all the more critical,” said Governor Paterson. “With this federal funding, tens of thousands of youth will have their lives changed for the better by gaining substantive work experience and necessary life skills to succeed. I would like to thank President Obama, New York’s congressional delegation and Mayor Bloomberg for being champions for our youth, and the future of our State and country.”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: “None of us forget our first job, and these federal funds represent employment opportunities for our youth to set them on the way toward a lifetime of working. These funds will create more summer jobs that give young people who want to work a chance to learn and develop employable skills while they earn so that they can contribute to the economy, and encourages post-secondary work. I want to thank President Obama and our congressional delegation for their hard work in making sure that New York City received this much-needed funding to help preserve solid futures for our youth.”
New York’s low-income youth are slated to receive $61 million in Workforce Investment Act (WIA) employment and training funds under ARRA. Administered by the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), WIA funding will provide paid work experience, education, skills training, and support services for at-risk youth. The maximum age of eligibility has been raised from 21 to 24 so that young adults 14 to 24 are eligible to participate. Some of these jobs will continue after the summer via career ladder programs.
ARRA funding for youth summer jobs in regions outside New York City include:
- Capital Region, $2.2 million
- Central NY, $2.4 million
- Finger Lakes, $3.8 million
- Hudson Valley, $4.3 million
- Long Island, $4.2 million
- Mohawk Valley, $1.8 million
- North Country, $2.1 million
- Southern Tier, $2.1 million
- Western NY, $5.2 million
TANF requires that youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 to qualify for SYEP. Participating families must be recipients of public assistance, or have a family income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $36,620 for a family of three.
TANF funding for youth summer jobs in counties outside of New York City include:
- Albany, $466,485
- Allegany, $170,948
- Broome, $396,199
- Cattaraugus, $213,176
- Cayuga, $133,367
- Chautauqua, $304,501
- Chemung, $185,116
- Chenango, $116,267
- Clinton, $203,707
- Columbia, $53,817
- Cortland, $141,195
- Delaware, $90,868
- Dutchess, $342,815
- Erie, $1,590,979
- Essex, $67,249
- Franklin, $124,897
- Fulton, $103,493
- Genesee, $101,683
- Greene, $90,192
- Hamilton, $9,906
- Herkimer, $112,036
- Jefferson, $315,456
- Lewis, $77,918
- Livingston, $163,290
- Madison, $156,460
- Monroe, $1,259,198
- Montgomery, $95,558
- Nassau, $819,147
- Niagara, $412,949
- Oneida, $364,623
- Onondaga, $789,861
- Ontario, $150,297
- Orange, $444,195
- Orleans, $80,884
- Oswego, $345,023
- Otsego, $149,472
- Putnam, $34,727
- Rensselaer, $246,202
- Rockland, $251,001
- St Lawrence, $390,075
- Saratoga, $163,531
- Schenectady, $187,511
- Schoharie, $75,477
- Schuyler, $44,304
- Seneca, $83,770
- Steuben, $216,644
- Suffolk, $1,100,683
- Sullivan, $134,225
- Tioga, $85,815
- Tompkins, $371,871
- Ulster, $239,433
- Warren, $95,396
- Washington, $67,878
- Wayne, $134,395
- Westchester, $846,315
- Wyoming, $83,133
- Yates, $48,367
Governor Paterson also urged youth across the State to take advantage of DOL’s revamped www.nycareerzone.org, which offers direct access to in-depth career and education information for more than 900 occupations, including job descriptions, estimated wages and the job outlook for each occupation. More importantly, CareerZone can help youth develop a ‘worker identity’ early on and focus their studies on the subjects they need in order to succeed in the job market when they leave school.
For more information on the State’s youth summer jobs programs, visit www.labor.ny.gov or www.otda.state.ny.us.
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: "These funds will help reverse the rising tide of unemployment among our youth here in New York and across the country. This funding will serve the central purpose of the recovery act – putting people back to work.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “I welcome the announcement by Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg that stimulus funds we passed in Congress will increase educational and employment opportunities for our children and young adults. As the mother of two young boys, I am passionate about supporting programs which give every child the chance to develop the skills needed to put them on the path of success and to live up to their full potential. I am committed to working with Senator Schumer and the Congressional delegation to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars so we can continue to invest in the future of our children and our city.”
Congressman Charles Rangel said: “The fate of this nation’s economic future ultimately rests on how well we educate our children – both in and out of the classroom. By helping to increase their job and volunteer opportunities in the summer, we assure ourselves that our youth begin to acquire the skills that employers need and that the global marketplace demands for their future.” Rangel also noted that increasing opportunities would also help keeps young people off the streets and out of trouble, especially during the summer. “While this city has seen historic drops in crime, we elected officials still go to too many funerals of innocent youngsters taken by gun and other youth-related violence,” said Rangel. “Working with city and state officials, partnering with businesses large and small, we can bring down the number of these tragedies by funding meaningful and productive activities dedicated to putting our children onto a path of personal and professional success.”
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: “This $96 million in federal funds will be put to essential, immediate use in providing work and hands-on engagement for our underemployed, disconnected youth and young adults. It’s easy for us to forget that our current economic woes also have a dramatic effect on young people who are already struggling along the road to inclusion and participation in our society. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in the New York congressional delegation, the Governor, and the Mayor in bringing these much-needed funds to New York.”
Congressman Gregory Meeks said: “I am greatly pleased with the nearly $100 million in federal funding for the New York Youth Student Program. The 50,000 jobs we expect will be created for disadvantaged youth across the state of New York will go a long way toward securing the future of our greatest asset, our young people. I believe that this program is a tremendous outreach initiative for at-risk youth who will have the opportunity to obtain paid summer employment that will teach them the necessary job and life skills to excel in future employment. This program is essential with the rate of unemployment and crime amongst youth in New York continuously increasing. I am confident that with this newly added funding the Youth Student Employment program will reach new heights and provide our youth with a life changing experience.”
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said: “In these tough economic times, it’s vital that we recognize and nurture the potential of our city’s young people. Investments in our kids are investments in New York’s future. I applaud Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg for taking quick action to direct stimulus funding to Youth Employment Initiatives, and I thank President Obama and my colleagues in the New York Congressional delegation for their ongoing work to get our economy back on track and help our community.”
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said: “Young people in New York City need positive places to go where they can learn, develop new skills and connect with mentors. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enables more of our youth to participate in summer programs expanding educational opportunities and helping to lay the groundwork for a bright future.”
Congressman Edolphus Towns said: “As a proud co-sponsor of the Recovery Act, I am pleased to see that stimulus dollars are being directed to this important skills building program. By increasing the summer 2009 enrollment, the program will create jobs and help improve the future of thousands of young adults in New York City.”
Congressman Eliot Engel said: “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program, a vital program that employ thousands of teens and young adults throughout the state, especially disconnected youths who have few other places to turn. Thanks to this money, thousands more will be employed this year over last. I am proud to have played a part in making sure so many young people are given the opportunity to work this summer, developing important skills, learning responsibility, and meeting adults who can serve as mentors and positive role models.”
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clark said: “It is truly gratifying to know that as a strong proponent and one who voted in favor the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, my efforts to reinvigorate our economy are beginning to pay off. I am pleased to announce, along with my colleagues in government today that thousands of additional slots will be available in the 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program. Our young people will serve as a valuable addition to our workforce this summer. Thousands of young people who have historically been underutilized will now have a great opportunity to establish themselves in the world of work and build a foundation for future endeavors. For too long the young people of our city have had to struggle with a very minimal commitment to summer employment opportunities. This summer in New York City that will not be the case. Our young people will be partners in stimulating our economy, while gaining meaningful work experience and assisting their families in these challenging times.”
Congressman Tim Bishop said: “I voted for the American Recovery Act because it would save and create jobs for New Yorkers. This federal funding will assist young people who are struggling to find work in today’s difficult economy.”
Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter said: “The critical recovery dollars made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will not only enable us to empower our youth with the experience and tools necessary for future success but strengthen future generations, communities, and our State for the long-term.”
Congressman Anthony Weiner said: “I’m gratified that a long underfunded program will get a boost. Arming young people with job skills and real work opportunities is a smart way to stimulate our local economy.”
Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: “I am pleased to support Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg as they announce these important recovery initiatives for New York State. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create new and unprecedented investments in our nation’s infrastructure, help to secure access to healthcare for more Americans and devote enormous resources to educating New York’s children. These programs will strengthen New York’s economy, create jobs and help to rebuild our State.”
Congressman Gary Ackerman said: “The critical funds announced today will create needed jobs for New York’s youth, providing them with real work experience and the development of important skills necessary to succeed in life. It is essential that we provide these types of opportunities to today’s youth and young adults as we set them on the path towards being the future of our city and our state. I am estremely pleased that our region continues to reap the benefits from the economic stimulus package so that we can move forward during these challenging economic times.”
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith said: “Creating jobs for all residents of the State is crucial during these tough economic times. I am pleased that funding has been secured to provide the youngest among New York’s workforce with the confidence and the skills that will allow them to be the productive citizens they desire to be. This program not only stimulates the economy but the minds and abilities of our youth.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said on Friday: “For many young people, a summer job is their first work experience and their first opportunity to earn a paycheck. These funds will help to preserve thousands of summer positions, which are essential jobs in our city’s day camps, senior centers, hospitals and recreation facilities. During this recession, we must look for ways to stimulate our economy but we cannot to forget how important young people are to our economy.”
Senator George Onorato, Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, said: “This federal funding, combined with State resources aimed at helping our young people find jobs, will help to ensure that our youth are provided with valuable opportunities to enter the labor force and develop career skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. By wisely investing in youth employment programs, we are helping to provide a brighter future for both the young people themselves and our economy as a whole.”
Senator Liz Krueger said: “I applaud Governor Paterson for directing funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to assist New York’s lower-income youth in finding summer employment. Creating jobs for young people is a win/win for our State. It will stimulate local economies, keep young people off the streets, and most importantly give these young adults the skills and training necessary to succeed in the future.”
Assemblywoman Susan John, Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, said: “Summer jobs provide an important source of income, skills training and teach responsibility to our young people. In addition to helping families, this commitment to youth employment will help employers and our economy. Youth in Rochester, and all parts of state, will benefit from this important investment that employs young people. I thank the Governor for his leadership in helping our youth and their families with this vital jobs program.”
Assemblymember Jonathan L. Bing said: “During the summer months thousands of young people staff important seasonal positions which enhance the quality of services across the five boroughs. Thankfully, despite a weak economy, Governor Paterson has prioritized preserving these important positions, which help young people get a footing in the work world. This announcement is welcome news for young people in New York City and important to our economic development goals.”
Assemblyman William Scarborough said: “I applaud Governor Paterson, Mayor Bloomberg, and Commissioner Mullgrav for their strong support of the Summer Youth Employment Program. The expansion of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (with the use of federal stimulus funds) will ensure that during this economic decline, 8,000 more young people can find meaningful employment this summer. As chairman of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families, I will continue to work with my partners within state and local government to find more ways in providing support, and valuable employment opportunities for our youth.”
DOL Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said: “With summertime right around the corner, Governor Paterson and the State Labor Department are making a concerted effort on all fronts to assist youth in finding employment under very difficult circumstances. From training money under the stimulus package to tax credits for businesses to a revamped website that helps youth focus on a worker identity, everything is on the table when it comes to assisting the future of this State.”
OTDA Commissioner David A. Hansell said: “This program provides important experiences for young people that can help them develop a career path by exposing them to a diverse array of jobs. The work they do will help them develop knowledge and confidence and we hope it will contribute to greater economic security for the families involved.”
New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn said: “New York City’s summer youth program has been an invaluable resource for providing training and developing a strong work ethic among New York’s young adults. Our youth depend on these jobs for both the experience and income they offer, and in turn the City depends on them for the service they provide to our communities. This boost in funding will open the door of opportunity to so many dedicated young adults and allow them to work in the greatest city in the world. I thank both the Obama administration and CVS for their help in making this happen.”
New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav said: “Summer jobs for young people are harder than ever to find, which is why I’m so thrilled that the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program is growing this year thanks to federal stimulus funds and the ongoing support of Mayor Bloomberg and our partners in Albany. We are working closely with the non-profit and business communities to develop a wide variety of exciting jobs that reflect the interests of our young people.”
New York City Employment Training Coalition Executive Director Tim Ford said: “The lack of employment opportunities for youth was a growing problem before the current economic crisis and now is only getting worse. By teaching job skills and providing real world experience, youth employment programs are critical to helping our city’s emerging workforce succeed. New York City has been the national leader in developing a vibrant summer youth employment program and with the new federal support we are confident this year’s program will be a success. We recognize DYCD for their leadership and the over 50 community-based organizations who will manage the program in all five boroughs. We also thank the dedicated employers from all over the city who are willing to open their doors and in return create opportunity for tens of thousands of young adults.”
