| Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
HARTFORD, CT—Governor Ted Lamont announced that the Connecticut Youth Employment Program is growing at a news conference at the YMCA Hartford Region, one of the state’s partners hiring youths under the program.
The program is designed to help young people explore careers and bring them into the job market. It is overseen by the Connecticut Department of Labor and administered by the state’s five Workforce Development Boards. It connects young people aged 14 to 24 with meaningful opportunities that let them explore careers, work side-by-side with professionals who help them build career networks, and receive job training and experience while earning a paycheck.
Lamont doubled the program’s funding from $5 million in fiscal year 2024 to $10 million in 2025.
“The Connecticut Youth Employment Program is a valuable workforce development initiative that gives young people an opportunity to build their resumes and gain valuable work experience, while also building a stronger workforce for employers,” Lamont said. “Initiatives like this can change lives around, especially for youths who are in need of professional guidance that can put them on the right track to building a successful career.”
The program breaks down employment barriers for young workers. It covers participant salaries and other job-related expenses, such as uniforms and transportation to and from work.
Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said that as young people start thinking about what they want to do, the program is an excellent opportunity to explore different careers, learn from those working in the field, and earn money. ” …[E]mployers are able to hire youth when they most need workers. I applaud the YWCA for their investment in our young people and thank Governor Lamont for his strong advocacy of this program. The 2025 budget increase allows us to pull more kids off the waiting lists and into jobs,” said Bartolomeo.
He applauded the YWCA for its investment in young people and thanked the governor for his strong program advocacy. “The 2025 budget increase allows us to pull more kids off the waiting lists and into jobs,” added Bartolomeo.
According to the Governor’s Office, approximately 94% of youths participating in the program are high school students, 2% are in college, and 4% are not in school. Additionally, the program provides community support and resources for disconnected and underserved young people.
The Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round.
The Connecticut Youth Employment Program offers several benefits for young participants, such as career exploration, skill development, networking opportunities, financial support, work experience, and personal growth.
Participants gain real-world work experience that can enhance their resumes and make them more competitive in the job market. The program helps build their confidence and sense of responsibility. It is essential for personal development as they can explore different career paths and industries, helping them make informed decisions about their future. In addition, working alongside professionals allows young people to build a network of contacts that can be beneficial for future job searches and career advancement.
Many participants have successfully transitioned from their program roles into full-time positions. For example, the Capitol Dispatch said some who are in administrative roles have moved on to managerial positions with the same companies.
In addition, several youths have used the skills and experience gained from the program to pursue higher education. One participant, who worked in a healthcare setting, was inspired to enroll in a nursing program and is now a registered nurse.
Youths who want to enroll and employers interested in participating should contact their region’s Workforce Development Board for details. The Connecticut Youth Employment Program’s webpage provides more information.
