Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that the application process for his 2016 Summer Youth Employment and Internship Program is now underway. The program will provide six weeks of employment and work-readiness training to youth in the city of Buffalo during the summer months.

“My administration is committed to preparing our city youth for the jobs of the future and my Summer Youth Employment and Internship program will help ensure the success of the next generation by encouraging our young people to start their career path with a summer job,” said Mayor Brown, noting that the summer youth employment program has provided over 22,000 employment opportunities to city youth since 2006. “This year, we have added funding to create 50 additional positions, increasing the city’s summer youth workforce to 1,500.”

Today’s kick-off was held at McKinley High School. McKinley is one of Buffalo’s more popular vocational schools giving students the opportunity to develop skills in carpentry, sheet metal, horticulture, aquatic ecology, plumbing, photography, electrical and graphic design.

Private sector businesses can participate in the Mayor’s Summer Internship Program by hiring youth who have submitted applications with the Mayor’s Program. Those businesses that hire city youth may also be eligible for tax credits. If a business or any individual would like to sponsor a youth for the summer employment opportunity, they may do so through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance Buffalo. Not-for-profit and Community based organizations can also participate by providing a structured and supervised work environment for the summer and, through sponsorship and donations, the City of Buffalo will subsidize the wages of youth employed in these areas.

Participating city youth, between the ages of 14-21, will be employed for 6 weeks during the summer months, from July 5th through August 12th. ^. They will earn $9 per hour. Each participant will be screened, assessed and receive job readiness, life skills and financial literacy training. The City of Buffalo’s Division for Youth will provide youth counselors who will serve as monitors and provide program support for everyone participating in the program. College Students are encouraged to apply.

Those interested in applying for Summer Jobs can download an application at http://www.city-buffalo.com or pick one up at Buffalo City Hall, Room 1701. Mayor Brown’s Summer Youth Applications must be returned by Friday, April 29, 2016.

To be eligible for this program you must be a City of Buffalo resident between the ages of 14 and 21 and you must turn age 14 by April 29, 2015.

In order to determine your eligibility for the Mayor’s Summer Youth Internship Program, the following items must be documented and returned with your completed application:

• Working Papers for all youth under age 18
• Ages 14-15 (Blue Card)
• Ages 16-17 (Green Card)
• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Buffalo Residency (Utility Bills, Lease Agreement)
• Family Income
• Social Security Card
• Attending School (Most recent School Report Card or Transcript)

If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact us at (716) 851-5887 or 851-4001. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.