New York has awarded $42 million for paid jobs and training for at least 2,500 young people in communities outside New York City affected by gun violence. The funding covers work from September 2026 through June 2027.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the award Wednesday for the state's Youth Employment Program, which connects low-income and at-risk youth with year-round work and educational opportunities. The program operates in areas supported by the state's Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, known as GIVE.
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will distribute the money to local social services departments, according to the governor's office. The total is $1.4 million more than last year, an increase the state attributed to higher minimum wages.
The program began in 2024. GIVE operates in 21 counties that receive funding through the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, though the announcement did not identify how much of the new employment award each county will receive.
Who qualifies and what the program provides
Participants must be 14 to 20 years old and live in households with income below 200% of the federal poverty level. The governor's office gave $54,640 as the threshold for a family of three; the limit varies by household size.
Paid employment is a required part of the program. Local providers may also offer education and career exploration activities to help participants prepare for further schooling and work. The initiative is intended to operate alongside the Summer Youth Employment Program rather than replace it.
During its first two years, participants worked in school districts, libraries, restaurants, camps, child care programs and community organizations, according to the state. The new program year runs from Sept. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Providers are encouraged to work with local law enforcement and organizations serving at-risk youth. Where a SNUG Street Outreach program is available, providers must collaborate with it. The state-administered SNUG program uses outreach and other services intended to interrupt gun violence and support people affected by it.
State ties jobs to violence prevention
The Hochul administration presents employment as part of its effort to reduce youth involvement in gun violence and the criminal justice system. The release did not provide an evaluation showing how many crimes the employment program has prevented, so that outcome remains a stated goal rather than a measured result of this award.
Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said the program gives young people income, work experience and support in communities affected by violence. State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said early jobs can also help participants build skills and prepare for later work.
The governor's office said unemployment, poverty and exposure to violence can create long-term barriers for young people. It did not specify a public application portal or a single statewide deadline for prospective participants in the announcement. Local social services departments will receive the funds to operate the program in their communities.
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