Youth in Sullivan County may soon see more summer job opportunities thanks to a recent funding announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced $56.5 million in new state funding for the Mid-Hudson region’s Summer Youth Employment Program — a move aimed at helping approximately 21,000 youth from low-income households across New York secure summer jobs and gain valuable work experience.

The money is part of the FY 2026 New York State Budget and is being distributed through the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Sullivan County is expected to receive $243,516 from the statewide allocation, which includes all 57 counties as well as New York City.

With this funding, the County would be able to launch a Summer Youth Employment Program designed to provide at-risk youth with early exposure to the New York workforce.

The program is expected to offer job training, skill development, and career exploration opportunities with the aim of improving educational outcomes and preparing young people for long-term success.

“Investing in our young people’s future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers across the state find good summer jobs that provide valuable experiences and skills that will help them pursue their educational and career goals and prepare them for success in the workforce as adults.”

Participants will be placed in entry-level jobs at a variety of sites — including parks, summer camps, childcare centers, educational institutions, cultural venues, and community organizations.

To be eligible, youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and come from households earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty line of which varies by household — $53,300 annually for a family of three, as exampled to the governor’s website.

This year’s budget also includes an additional $1.5 million over last year in response to rising minimum wage rates. In 2024, the program served more than 21,000 youth statewide.

“We appreciate Governor Hochul’s ongoing attention to the needs of our youth, especially in rural counties such as Sullivan,” stated Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek. “This funding will help our Summer Youth Employment Program have an even more meaningful impact on local teenagers as they learn crucial skills through our Center for Workforce Development.”