Albany, N.Y. – Assemblymembers Patricia A. Fahy (D-Albany) and John T. McDonald III (D-Cohoes) have announced youth job opportunities in Albany County through New York State’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

Albany County will receive $374,178, the most funding of counties in the Capital Region. In 2012, the county saw 763 youths participate in the program, only second behind New York City.

“Jobs for our region’s youth is such a critical concern of mine, ensuring that we prepare young adults for future career opportunities. The state’s youth employment program is a essential program that also keeps at-risk youth productively engaged and aimed on their future,” said Assemblymember Patricia A. Fahy.

“I am pleased that the State of New York is able to support youth employment particularly at this time in our economy. This opportunity for our youth to work will not only provide critical income but more importantly necessary experience and skill sets to prepare for the future” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III.

“I am pleased our state legislators support the allocation of funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program in Albany County,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “By working together we can enable young people to gain needed work experience and learn new skills that prepare them for the future. This is a win for our County’s youngsters, local employers and economy.”

Albany County will receive $374,178, the most amount of funding in the Capital Region. In 2012, the county saw 763 youths participate in the program, only second behind New York City.

“Initiatives such as Albany’s Summer Youth Employment Program stand out because of their effectiveness in getting youth employed. With the economy still in recovery, job prospects are limited especially for youth, and we need to continue to support these kinds of opportunities for youth,” said Fahy.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has distributed $25 million to all 57 counties and New York City to help young adults enter the workforce and gain the skills needed to achieve higher levels of success in school, as well as future career paths. Funding from this program can be used to subsidize wages, support education and training activities, as well as counseling and employment-related services, like transportation to and from work or training.

To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 14 to 20. Additionally, only those teens whose families receive public assistance, or have a total annual income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $38,180 for a family of three, are eligible to apply. Youth interested in participating can contact the Albany County Department of Social Services at (518) 447-7300.