State Highlights Youth Employment Program

The Lamont administration is highlighting the growth of the Connecticut Youth Employment Program.

The program offers opportunities for young people to explore careers and receive important job readiness skills while earning a paycheck.

“Initiatives like this can change lives,” said Gov. Ned Lamont.

“Especially for youths who are in need of professional guidance that can put them on the right track to building a successful career.”

Career Opportunities

The Connecticut Department of Labor oversees the program, which is administered by the state’s five Workforce Development Boards.

The program is available to people ages 14 to 24, with high school students making up 94% of participants.

“Young people in the region have had the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways.”

Capital Workforce Partners’ Alex Johnson

The participants are connected with opportunities to explore careers, work side-by-side with professionals, and receive job training and experience. 

Funding for the Youth Employment Program doubled from $5 million in fiscal 2024 to $10 million in 2025.

“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,” said Capital Workforce Partners president and CEO Alex Johnson.

Overcoming Barriers

The program focuses on disconnected and underserved youth, helping them overcome barriers to employment. 

Participants earn a paycheck, and the the program covers other expenses like uniforms and transportation.

“With 93,000 job openings in Connecticut, we desperately need to increase our labor force and connect a growing population of offtrack and disconnected youths with careers that offer generational change,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“Initiatives like the Connecticut Youth Employment Program are critical to solving the workforce crisis.”, growing Connecticut’s economy, and driving opportunity for all residents.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima.

“It’s important that we reimagine our school scorecard metrics to increase internships, apprenticeships, and overall experiential learning.

“Initiatives like the Connecticut Youth Employment Program are critical to solving the workforce crisis, growing the state’s economy, and driving opportunity for all residents.”

The Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round. Employers interested in participating in the program can find more information here.