Hamden Funds Youth Summer Employment & Training Program

From The Town of Hamden: Mayor Curt Balzano Leng is pleased to announce that the Town of Hamden will fund the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program. This program will place 50 low-income youth in jobs throughout the summer months. Due to the budget impasse in Hartford, state funding for summer youth employment has been eliminated at this time. Historically, Hamden has hired up to 70 youth workers with the state grant. Mayor Leng has made it clear that he values the importance of this program and how it helps not only the participating teens and their families, but also the community and local economy. This valuable program provides work opportunities to economically disadvantaged youth and/or youth that receive special education services. Fifty Hamden teens will work approximately fifteen hours per week for four weeks, and will be paid the state minimum wage. Youth will be placed in municipal, non-profit, and for-profit organizations and businesses.

This program is one of the most essential and impactful youth programs offered in Hamden. At the most basic level it provides an opportunity to earn a paycheck for teens that come from low income families. More importantly, it provides youth with work experience and job skills that will help them in their future careers, in school, and in life. Hamden’s summer youth workers learn and grow a great deal over just a few weeks. Prior to their job placement, they learn how to complete an application, participate in a job interview, learn about the hiring process, and attend an orientation. During the employment phase, they work with a site supervisor and an experienced and mature job coach. They receive the support and feedback necessary to be successful.

Developing a workforce is essential to a robust and healthy economy, and summer youth employment and training is an important component of preparing future workers. The Town of Hamden is committed to helping our families in need, and we ask that the State of Connecticut fully fund the Summer Youth Employment Program when a budget is passed.

Commenting on Hamden’s plans to fund the program, Mayor Leng said, “It is critically important that our local youth are not left behind due to the State’s budget chaos. This program allows Hamden’s teens and young adults to hold down a solid job throughout the summer months, while also gaining the skills, knowledge, and experience they will need to succeed in other careers and employment opportunities down the road.

Hamden will be working to continue this program in our own way, and I look forward to
the many positives it brings to our young men and women.”

Image Via Pixabay