New York (WRGB) — Gov. Hochul announced the funding for the state’s Youth Employment Program, which targets low-income and at-risk youth in communities outside New York City that have been hit hardest by gun violence. Launched in 2024, the program is part of New York’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which operates in 21 counties that receive GIVE funding through the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Hochul said,
As New York’s first mom governor, I’ll never stop fighting to make our communities safer and provide our youth with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. The Youth Employment Program is a core part of my administration’s comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence in communities across New York State, while providing at-risk youth with year-round work and training opportunities that will help them build strong futures.
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is distributing the $42 million to local departments of social services. The total includes a $1.4 million increase over last year to account for minimum wage increases.
The funding is expected to provide paid work and training opportunities for at least 2,500 low-income youth from September 2026 to June 2027. The 2026-2027 Youth Employment Program will operate from Sept. 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Regional funding totals include:
Capital Region: $2,822,533Central New York: $3,447,247Finger Lakes: $4,258,178Long Island: $8,375,321Mid-Hudson: $11,407,290Mohawk Valley: $1,553,566North Country: $567,829Southern Tier: $2,184,822Western New York: $7,383,214
The Youth Employment Program supports local efforts to provide year-round employment and educational opportunities for young people at risk of gun violence, working alongside services offered through the Summer Youth Employment Program. In addition to paid employment, the program may include educational and career exploration activities designed to help participants prepare for continued schooling and the transition into the workforce.
State officials pointed to research showing that vulnerable, unemployed youth can face long-term challenges, including poverty, reliance on public assistance and involvement in the criminal justice system. Youth exposed to trauma and violence may also experience lasting harm that creates barriers to employment and financial stability.
In the program’s first two years, participants worked in school districts, libraries, restaurants, camps and child care programs, and a range of community organizations.
To qualify, youth must be between 14 and 20 years old and live in a household with income below 200% of the federal poverty level. The state noted that the threshold varies by household size and, for example, is $54,640 for a family of three.
Providers are encouraged to collaborate with local law enforcement and other organizations serving at-risk youth, and they must collaborate with local SNUG Street Outreach programs when available. The SNUG Street Outreach program, administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, uses a public health approach to gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission and treating individuals, families and communities affected by violence.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said,
We are grateful to Governor Hochul for making landmark investments that uplift New York’s youth and families and support safer and stronger communities. The Youth Employment Program provides income, valuable work experience, training and support to at-risk youth living in communities most directly impacted by gun violence. All New Yorkers benefit when we can help protect our youth from the destructive cycle of gun and other community violence and give them the skills and confidence they need to be successful in school and prepare to enter the workforce.
Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said,
A young person’s first job is about so much more than a paycheck – it is a critical stepping stone that builds confidence, teaches essential skills, and opens doors to a lifetime of career success. By connecting at-risk youth with meaningful employment and training opportunities, the Youth Employment Program empowers the next generation of New York’s workforce while fostering safer, more vibrant communities. I applaud Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to investing in our youth and ensuring every young New Yorker has the tools they need to thrive in the modern economy.
Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said,
Young people thrive when they are heard and guided to develop their own sense of purpose and pursue meaningful opportunities like employment, job training, and mentorship. These investments by Governor Hochul are another way that New York State is helping young people discover their strengths, gain valuable experience and build brighter futures. I am proud that the combined efforts of OTDA, DCJS and our other State agency partners are working to improve safety for all New Yorkers.
Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said,
Youth employment is a proven strategy to prepare young people for eventual self-sufficiency, but also to divert at-risk youth from the lures of street crime and illegal ways of making money. Recognizing the important role youth employment plays in developing employability skills, the Office of Children and Family Services applauds Governor Hochul for the many resources she has made available to prepare the future workforce, starting with training opportunities and job creation throughout New York State. It is also wise that state agencies are collaborating with local municipalities and non-profit organizations to ensure that efficacious interventions, inclusive of SNUG Street Outreach programs, are offered year-round in the communities that need it most.
Assemblymember Maritza Davila said,
Providing young people with employment, training and educational opportunities is one of the most effective ways we can help them build a positive future all while strengthening our communities. This $42 million investment gives at-risk youth the opportunity to develop valuable skills, gain work experience and connect with mentors and supportive community organizations, while helping address the conditions that can contribute to gun violence and involvement in the criminal justice system.