Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland announced a combined $500,000 in funding to expand youth employment opportunities for individuals ages 18 and older. This initiative, made possible through a $250,000 contribution from the County’s Office of Reentry and the City, aims to empower young adults by providing them with the skills, experience, and resources necessary to succeed in the workforce beyond the summer months.
“One of our greatest assets is our youth in Cuyahoga County. This funding is critical in ensuring our young adults have the tools and opportunities to succeed,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for young adults. We believe in their potential and are excited to see the positive impact this investment will have on their lives and our local economy.”
“The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry recognizes that providing meaningful employment experiences and skill-building opportunities during the summer months can serve as a critical preventative measure against justice system involvement,” remarks Simeon Best, Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry. “Therefore, the Office of Reentry commits to allocating funds specifically for the continuation of the Summer Youth Employment Program. These funds are an investment in the local economy, public safety, and the future potential of our youth. By providing meaningful employment opportunities and skill development, we are fostering a safer community and creating pathways for young people to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to society.”
Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) will use the funding to place more than 150 youth in jobs in various fields, including education, housing, faith-based organizations, and public service. The goal is to provide job training and career counseling, focusing on creating pathways to long-term employment.
“The City is proud to partner on important programs like this. Sometimes an extra boost – whether that’s through more funding, extending the length of a program, connections to more resources, or providing additional training – ends up being the key to unlocking the right door to the next opportunity that sets our young adults on the pathway to sustained success,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb.
The expanded funding will support programs to help young people transition smoothly into the labor market. Programs like the Cleveland Metropolitan Tech Talent Pipeline will provide youth with tech-related experiences and skill-building. The AKA Team Construction Training cohort will engage young adults in 10 weeks of training with the goal of placement in construction and Built Environment fields.
“This is a testament to what we can achieve when the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County work together,” remarks Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “By pooling our resources, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our young people and provide them with the opportunities they deserve.”
“Investing in our youth is an investment in the future of Cuyahoga County. This funding will help bridge the gap between education and employment, giving our young adults a strong start in their careers and contributing to the overall prosperity of our region,” adds Yvonne M. Conwell, Cuyahoga County Councilwoman.
“Y.O.U. applauds Mayor Bibb and County Executive Ronayne for their innovative thinking on ways to support youth. This project will have a triple win – for the teenagers and their families, the participating employers, and the greater community,” said Craig Dorn, President and CEO, Y.O.U. (Youth Opportunities Unlimited)
The expanded youth employment initiative runs through Fall 2024. To learn more about it, visit youcle.org.