State uses $2M in fed pandemic money for youth employment

Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday he will release $2 million in federal money the state received to deal with the coronavirus pandemic to expand the Connecticut Youth Employment Program, an ongoing initiative providing year-round jobs with community-based agencies throughout the state.

Lamont announced the funding for the program expansion during visits Tuesday to New Haven and Bridgeport.

The program expansion will enable community health agencies to better deal with the pandemic via support and education for those groups hit hardest by the coronvirus.

“Connecticut has persistent health equity gaps that impact communities of color — this virus and its impact on health and the economy is no different,” Lamont said in a statement.

“Increasing our investment in youth employment programs not only helps our young people, but will also make a difference for community health.”

Some of the jobs expected to be created as a result of the program expansion include:

⏩ Virtual outreach via social media to promote safer health practices.

⏩ Delivery of educational materials to community organizations and other groups.

⏩ Assistance to homebound families.

⏩ Trying to develop a social distancing ambassador program in which workers reach out to their peers and others in their age group.

Money for the program expansion is coming from Connecticut’s portion of funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

The federal money will be added to the $4.5 million the state previously allocated for the Youth Employment Program, which is administered by the state Department of

Labor.

The program also has been funded with $637,600 from the Youth Employment and Training Collaboration, which is a collaborative effort of the state Department of Children and Families and the Department of Labor.

With the money from the federal government included, the Youth Employment Program will have total of $7.1 million to work with this year. The program is implemented by the state’s five workforce development boards to increase youth leadership, improve job readiness and improve economic stability.

William Villano, president and chief executive officer for Workforce Alliance, the labor development board for the New Haven area, said, “Providing work experience at an early age sets people up for success throughout their lives.”

“Any work experience at an early age is an advantage, and health care is one of the better options overall,” Villano said.

Last year, the Youth Employment Program was funded at just over $5.6 million and served more than 1,700 young people, according to Kurt Westby, Connecticut’s labor commissioner.

“This program offers meaningful job opportunities to young people, helping them build networks, gain experience and improve their resumes,” Wedstby said in a statement.

“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.”

Those interested in participating in the program can contact their nearest regional workforce development board for more information.