Overview
Need help finding a job? The Urban Youth Jobs Program can assist you! Our goal is to help you get into the workplace and succeed. First, all you have to do is get certified by the NYS Department of Labor. That's easy. Just fill out the youth application. The Department will accept 2016 applications faxed or sent via U.S. mail from youth with little or no access to a computer, but will not accept applications submitted for youth by a business or tax consultant. For program year 2016 we must receive your application by December 31, 2016. Youth who participated in previous program years must re-certify using the link below.
Eligibility
To participate in the Urban Youth Jobs Program, you must:
- Be 16 to 24 years old
- Live in New York State
- Be unemployed
In addition, at least one of the following must apply to you:
- You are 18 years old, no longer in school, and don't have a high school diploma, GED/TASC certificate or high school equivalency diploma
- You are a member of a family that is receiving assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- You are a member of a family that is receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps)
- You are a member of a family that is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
- You receive a free or reduced-cost school lunch
- You were referred by a rehabilitation agency approved by the State, or an employment network under the Ticket to Work Program
- You have served time in jail or prison - or are on probation or parole
- You are pregnant or a parent
- You are homeless
- You are currently or were in foster care or the custody of the Office of Children and Family Services
- You are a veteran
- You are the daughter or son of a parent who is currently in jail or prison, or has been within the past two years
- You are the daughter or son of a parent who is collecting unemployment insurance
- You live in public housing or receive housing assistance such as a Section 8 voucher
Apply for Certification
Fill out this Urban Youth Jobs Program Youth Certification Application (PDF available).
For best results, we recommend you use Google Chrome. Install Google Chrome.
Once You're Certified
- If you're ready to look for work, check the NYS Job Bank for job openings. You can locate jobs in your area by typing in your city or zip code in the ‘Locations' tab which can be found in the upper right hand corner of the webpage. At that time, if you see job openings of interest, you should send an e-mail message indicating your interest in applying for each position you see. Look for a contact name and e-mail address for each potential employer toward the bottom of each description of the job openings.
- If you need job placement assistance go to your local New York State Career Center. Career Centers provide a number of services for jobseekers and there is one that can be found in your community. Find the nearest center here.
- Don't forget to remind businesses that they can qualify for a tax credit if they hire you!
If you need more information, please contact the New York State Department of Labor at [email protected] or by phone at 877-226-5724.