CT Increases Funding For Youth Employment Program

CONNECTICUT — The state is adding $2 million to the Connecticut Youth Employment Program in 2021, bringing the total expenditure to $7.7 million to help provide employment opportunities to youths around the state, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday.

The program provides year-round employment opportunities for youths across Connecticut with community-based agencies. Funds will be spent to support the program with services like transportation, food support, and other items that will decrease barriers to participation.

"The Youth Employment Program helps our young people gain employment during this difficult time and experience the working world," Lamont said during a news conference in Hartford at Our Piece of the Pie, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth. "That's a win, not only for our economy but our future workforce, young jobseekers, and businesses, as well. Each year through this program, hundreds of businesses in our state get thousands of hours of subsidized work and the chance to mentor or coach tomorrow's leaders. Our youth employment programs are an excellent way to start the next generation of workers on a meaningful career path, while also putting dollars in their pockets. I want to thank Connecticut's Congressional Delegation for their support of this funding to states during this critical time, particularly for young people."

The extra investment comes from Connecticut's portion of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – also known as the CARES Act – and is in addition to the $5 million the state previously allocated for the program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Labor. The Youth Employment and Training Collaboration, a partnership between the Connecticut Department of Labor and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, is also funded at $710,000, giving the program a total of $7.7 million this year, according to Lamont.

"Now more than ever, it is crucial to help support the youth of Connecticut as they look to join the workforce," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "These programs will provide the tools our young people need to succeed by increasing youth leadership and improving both job readiness and economic stability."

Added Connecticut Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby, "This program offers meaningful job opportunities to young people, helping them build networks, gain experience, and improve their resumes. It is our hope that this program will also introduce young people to the important work being done on the ground by our community health partners, and open new career opportunities for them. I applaud Governor Lamont for expanding funding during a vital time."

The Connecticut Youth Employment program runs year-round and is implemented by the state's five Workforce Development Boards to increase youth leadership, improve job readiness, and improve economic stability. During the 2020 program year the program served more than 2,300 young people through December. This year, the initiative will support the state's reopening efforts.

The additional funding will provide mental health trainings for youth workers and case managers; and expand support services like transportation and food assistance. The program will expand youth peer mentors, youth outreach, and employer engagement specialists to remove barriers to participation – especially for marginalized youth – and build in equity and inclusion.

Some opportunities include:

• Virtual outreach through social media to promote safer health practices;
• Delivery of educational materials to community and other organizations;
• Outreach and assistance to homebound families; and
• Fostering youth-to-youth connections and acting as social distancing ambassadors.