Help Wanted: Mayor Walsh and County Executive McMahon Ask Employers to Join City-County Summer Youth Employment Program

Employers can receive full funding for jobs that are remote, on-site or both

As the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today asked employers to help local young people get back on their feet. Through the City-County Summer Youth Employment Program, the Mayor and County Executive are offering public and private sector businesses funding and resources to provide teenagers and young adults with jobs and valuable experience this summer.

Prior to the pandemic, Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse had grown the number of young people participating in the City-County Summer Youth Employment program to more than 1,200.  COVID-19 conditions last summer put most youth hiring on hold.  The County and the City are working to get the program back on track, but currently face a shortfall of worksites and hundreds of jobs.

“COVID restrictions have had a devastating impact on our youth.  They need our help this summer,” said Mayor Walsh. “We’re asking employers in the public and private sector to join the Summer Youth Employment program now and provide working experience and opportunities to our teenagers and young adults this summer.  A summer job can change the trajectory of a young person’s life and set them on a path to success.”

“It’s a win-win for employers and the community.  Through the assistance of New York State, we have funding available to help employers pay for these positions, and our youth gain invaluable skills,” said County Executive McMahon. “All of us have been worried about the short and long-term impact of the pandemic on our young people.  This is a way to help them have a more productive summer and prepare for a successful future.”

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Employment sites can hire young people between the ages of 16-20 to work on-site, remotely or a combination of both. Employer costs to hire young adults for these summer work experiences can be fully funded through this city and county partnership. All payroll and related costs, including employment preparation requirements for these short-term, temporary paid work experiences will be managed by CNY Works.  Participants must live in Syracuse and Onondaga County and must meet income eligibility requirements.

For more employer information or to participate in the program, contact: CNY Works Workforce Manager, Amy Stage via telephone (315-477-6937) or e-mail astage@cnyworks.com.

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