ROC Your Job Teen Employment Program Creating Employment Pathways for Students Through Subsidized Jobs
RochesterWorks, on behalf of the Monroe County Department of Human Services, is launching the ROC Your Job initiative, an after-school employment program for Rochester and Monroe County teenagers.
The $1.7 Million program, supported through the 2023-2024 State Budget, will connect 260 lower-income Monroe County teenagers between the ages of 14 and 20 to paid employment opportunities. The program will provide funding for up to 17 weeks of wages with the employer, with a goal of ultimately connecting the youth with unsubsidized, long-term employment.
The program has a strategic focus on neighborhoods in the City of Rochester most impacted by gun violence, but is open to all Monroe County youth, in-school, between the ages of 14-20, who live in households with income under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The initial program will run through the end of June 2024, leading into the annual Summer Youth Employment/Summer of Opportunity programs. The enrollment process for the summer employment programs will commence later in the Winter. RochesterWorks is working to provide co-enrollment into each program to remove the administrative burden for participating youth and their families.
Interested job seekers and participating employers (public, private, or non-profit entities) can learn more and apply by visiting www.rocyourjob.com or by calling 258-3500 ext 3552 or emailing hbrown@rochesterworks.org.
Every summer, RochesterWorks and the City of Rochester jointly operate a summer employment program that provides 6-8 weeks of paid, subsidized employment to local teenagers. While it is a wonderful experience for youth, most of whom come from lower-income households, the annual state funding does not generally allow for year-round opportunities.
This new opportunity will allow RochesterWorks to connect youth to paid employment opportunities during the school year. Recent surveys conducted with Rochester city high school students demonstrate that the most in-demand opportunities for career exploration are paid work experience opportunities.
Key information for employers to know:
- The program functions almost identically to Summer Youth Employment Program/Summer of Opportunity Program
- Wages through the program are 100% subsidized.
- RochesterWorks staff is flexible with employers and can work around your schedule/work day
- Participants are employed through a third-party staffing agency; thus the employer does not need to endure any onboarding expenses, risk.
- Interested employers can contact Henrene Brown (258-3500 ext 3552 / hbrown@rochesterworks.org)