Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced starting today, City of Buffalo can apply for the Summer Youth Internship and Employment program for 2023.
Since 2006, This program has provided over 28,600 summer work experiences for Buffalo youth.
"Successful youth between the ages of 14 to 21, living in the city of Buffalo are eligible for this program. And every year we try to increase the number of slots for youth to be able to work in the summer. This year, we are looking to hire 1800 young people at an increased rate of pay, so their hourly rate will be $14.20 an hour," said Mayor Brown.
Each participant will be screened, assessed, and receive job readiness, life skills and financial literacy training. The City of Buffalo's Division of Youth will provide youth counselors who will serve as monitors and provide program support for everyone participating in the program.
The Mayor says there's a full range of jobs that students can work in that are a part of this program.
"We have jobs in city government, jobs in the healthcare industry. We have jobs at not for profit organizations. We have jobs in private sector organizations. We have young people who are working here at the Northland Workforce Training Center, learning about the different programs at Northland. We also have young people working in the retail industry, and some working at restaurants, it's the full range. In fact, many young people come to us and say, 'I'd like to work in the in this particular area,' and we can place them in areas of interest."
"If it were not for this program, I would not be the person that I am today," said Gianna Cotto, a 19-year-old sophomore at Buffalo State who's been in the program for five years. "This program has opened doors and of hope and opportunity for for both me and the city of Buffalo. I strongly encourage the youth of Buffalo to take a chance on this program because it will definitely take a chance on you."
You can apply online at www.buffalo.gov/msyapp. Applications must be completed by the end of March.