HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont joined Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo on Tuesday at the YWCA Hartford Region to shine a light on the growth of the Connecticut Youth Employment program.
Lamont’s office said that the initiative was created to help young people explore careers and enter the job market. The YWCA Hartford Region is one of many partners in Connecticut that are hiring youths through the program, which the state’s Department of Labor oversees, and the state’s five Workforce Development Boards administers.
Recently, Lamont doubled funding for the program from $5 million in fiscal year 2024 to $10 million in fiscal year 2025. His office said the program connects young people ages 14-24 with important opportunities that allow them to view possible careers and work together with professionals.
The professionals then help them build career networks. Through the process, young people receive job training while earning a paycheck.
“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.
Lamont added that initiatives such as the program can change lives around, especially for young people who need professional guidance that can launch them onto the right track to build a successful career. He said he appreciates his many partners around the state that are participating in the program and giving youths an opportunity to build foundations for stable, productive lives.
Bartolomeo said that the program is a great opportunity for young people who are just starting to think about what they want to do for a career.
“It’s a great opportunity to explore different careers, learn from those working in the field and earn some money,” Bartolomeo said. “In addition, the program runs year-round, so employers are able to hire youth when they most need workers. I applaud the YWCA for their investment in our young people and thank Gov. Lamont for his strong advocacy of this program.”
Bartolomeo added that the 2025 budget increase will allow for more kids to enter the program, taking them off waiting lists and connecting them with potential jobs.
The program is designed to break down employment barriers for young workers, according to Lamont’s office. It covers participant salaries and other job-related expenses, including uniforms and transportation to and from work.
Lamont’s office said around 94% of youths participating in the program are high school students, 2% are in college and 4% are not in school. The program provides community support and resources to each of these groups with a focus on disconnected and underserved young people.
Alex Johnson, president and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners, expressed gratitude to Lamont, the Department of Labor and the state legislature for increasing its investment and allowing his group to serve more young people.
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“The need for youth employment continues to be significant in Connecticut,” Johnson said. “Capital Workforce Partners is especially proud of its Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program. Young people in the region have had the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills and engage in learning experiences that will help develop their social, civic and leadership skills.”
According to Lamont’s office, YWCA Hartford Region Chief Programs Officer Donna Sodipo said that employment equips youth with vital skills, work experience and a sense of responsibility, which are all experiences necessary for them to thrive professionally.
“Programs like this level the equity playing field by creating connections and opportunities for economic mobility. We are truly grateful to our worksite partners who open their businesses and programs to our youth and are committed to mentoring young professionals,” Sodipo said, according to Lamont’s office.
The Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round. Youths looking to enroll and employers interested in participating should contact their region’s Workforce Development Board for details.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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