More Big Apple youths landed city-funded summer jobs in 2015 than at any other point in the program’s 50-year history, Department of Youth and Community Development figures show.
A whopping 54,263 city youths age 14-24 landed paid summer gigs lasting up to 6 weeks through the Summer Youth Employment Program that ended earlier this month, commissioner Bill Chong said. That’s up from 47,126 youngsters in 2014.
Chong said a $12 million boost in city funds for the program — bringing its budget to nearly $79 million– fueled the employment explosion. The program connects youths with minimum wage jobs at private companies, non-profits and city agencies.
But the lessons learned on the job count for more than the spending cash they generate, Chong said.
“Younger youths and those who have never worked before learn the importance of showing up on time and working with other people,” Chong said. “For the older youths, it’s about lining up the work experience that they’re interested in.”
More than 130,000 applicants applied for the program this year. Participants were selected through a lottery system.
Khaleel Jones admitted he was a little nervous his first day working the floor at the Modell’s Sporting Goods in Fresh Meadows.
“This is my first retail job,” said the 18-year-old from Rosedale, who is heading into his senior year at Campus Magnet High School. “I didn’t know what to sell and I’m not good at talking to people publicly.”
But he credits his co-workers with helping him gain confidence and knowledge. He aced two “mystery shopping” tests by an anonymous Modell’s employee and impressed his bosses enough to earn him a part-time job after the program ended.
“Working here has taught me a lot of things,” said Jones, who is making careful plans to juggle the job with his schoolwork and football practice. He’s an offensive lineman with the Campus Magnet Bulldogs. “I’m confident talking to people now and I know what to do in my workspace.”
Ed Cohen, general manager of the store, said he was impressed with Khaleel and his fellow workers from the summer jobs program.
“He was hungry to learn and he used his knowledge,” said Cohen. “Khaleel was here just three weeks when he was tested by a mystery shopper and received a 100. His customers are well taken care of.”
