Hartford-Based Youth Jobs Program Seeks Funds, Applicants

Capital Workforce Partners

HARTFORD, CT – The time is now for young people in the Hartford region to sign up for summer job opportunities in the city, but the request comes as funding for those programs is in jeopardy.

Capital Workforce Partners in Hartford, a regional state workforce investment agency, recently announced registration for the Summer Youth Employment & Learning Program (SYELP) is officially open.

"This highly anticipated program provides Connecticut youth, ages 14-24, in the North Central Region with invaluable career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer," wrote the organization.

SYELP participants gain exposure to career pathways, develop essential workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that foster social, civic, and leadership growth, according to the agency.

However, officials said while the program has seen overwhelming success, demand continues to outpace available funding.

Last year, CWP received more than 4,000 applications, yet only one out of three applicants was able to participate due to funding limitations.

Identifying the need for increased investment in youth employment programs is greater than ever.

Community leaders and workforce development professionals have urged the Connecticut General Assembly to sustain and expand state funding for youth employment programs.

Previously, state funding for these initiatives was supplemented with an additional $5 million, doubling the annual budget to $10 million.

With the change in funding, professionals — including Alex Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Capital Workforce Partners — emphasize the importance of maintaining and increasing state funding to support Connecticut’s youth.

“We heard from young people about the difference that these programs make in their lives,” said Johnson. “For many, this is their first work experience, providing them with crucial work readiness and career preparation skills.

"Scaling back funding now not only diminishes valuable opportunities for our youth but also jeopardizes our state’s future workforce. Reducing funding would mean fewer opportunities for youth to gain these life-changing experiences.”

“The future of our state is in the hands of our youth,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “By prioritizing this critical funding, we are investing in a generation that will drive Connecticut’s economic and social progress for years to come.”

CWP is asking policymakers to prioritize youth workforce development by allocating the necessary funding to meet demand.

For more information on the Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program and to register, visit CWP’s SYELP website or contact Capital Workforce Partners at jboucher@capitalworkforce.org.