Gov Hochul: $42 Million For Youth Employment Program

FROM THE GOVERNOR: Governor Kathy Hochul announced $42 million has been awarded for the Youth Employment Program, which helps reduce community gun violence and youth criminal justice involvement by providing year-round employment and training opportunities to at-risk youth in parts of the state, outside of New York City, most impacted by gun violence. Launched in 2024, the program plays an important role in New York State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which operates in the 21 counties that receive GIVE funding, as provided by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. “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,” Governor Hochul said. “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.

“Western New York -$7,383,214

“Research shows that vulnerable, unemployed youth can face struggles later in life, including poverty, dependence on public assistance programs, and criminal justice involvement. In addition, youth exposed to trauma and violence may suffer long-term harmful effects later in life, including barriers to successful employment and financial stability.