Youth Employment Services (YES) Accepting Participants

Youth in Hunterdon and Somerset counties can receive free assistance to get on a path toward a productive future. The Youth Employment Services (YES) Program offers individuals ages 16 to 24, who are currently out of school and facing challenges, invaluable tools and guidance to meet education and employment goals.

YES is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Greater Raritan Investment Board. It accepts eligible youth and young adults on a rolling basis. Eligible youth are within the 16-24 age range, are out of school and face one or more challenges identified as a qualifier for the program: having a physical, mental health or learning disability diagnosis; involvement in juvenile or criminal justice; pregnant or parenting; or runaway or homeless. High school dropouts automatically qualify and receive assistance in attaining their High School Equivalency Diploma.

“This program is easily customizable to meet the unique needs and goals of participants. There is no cookie-cutter approach, but we do strive for all participants to have the same end results to become independent and reach their fullest potential,” said Susan Rozycki, outreach coordinator for Hunterdon County.

The range of services and opportunities available to YES participants include case management, tutoring and instruction, 14 hours of paid job skills training, up to 20 hours of paid career sampling, attainment of one of many workplace credentials and a workforce-training grant for vocational education up to $4,000.

“Hunterdon County Vocational School District is a partner in the YES program, accepting participants into training programs offered through the district’s Adult and Continuing Education division,” said Tanya Nalesnik, HCVSD Director of Grants Management, Admissions & Security. “The district is proud to affiliate with this important program and help struggling youth develop their skills and prepare for employment.”

All YES participants receive a case manager, who acts more like a mentor, offering guidance and support throughout the program and a year following program completion.

To learn more about the YES Program, including eligibility requirements, visit www.yestoworknj.org, or contact Susan Rozycki at 908-635-6456 for Hunterdon County and Kyle Vandenberg at 908-725-7223 for Somerset County.