Youth@Work Advocacy in New Haven
Mayor John DeStefano Jr., Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Mayo and a group of inspiring students joined business and community leaders and state and local elected officials for the Summer Jobs appeal for Youth @ Work at City Hall.

"Federal and state funding has steadily diminished, but the need and value of teens at work remains acute. We can't do it without the help of the entire community", said Mayor DeStefano. The City was able to double the number of summer jobs available to teens this year. Please click on the following link to read the full NH Register article...

Youth Rally Raises Awareness
Last February, 30 Youth @ Work participants from James Hillhouse, Hill Regional Career and Wilbur Cross High Schools traveled to the State Capitol for "Making Our Voices Heard," a youth rally to support legislation for a $100 Million Dollar "Youth Employment Trust Fund." Joining hundreds of youth from across the state, youth met with state legislators and testified in committee hearings about the impact this funding would have on their futures. The State funded $4 million for youth job opportunities in 2006, of which South Central CT received $900,000. Youth@Work volunteers will be back in Hartford, working for 2007 funding.

To find out more about how you can get involved and petition state legislators to vote for youth employment bills, please click on this link www.cga.ct.gov. Parents, providers, local legislators, educators, concerned citizens, make your voices heard by contacting your area senators and representatives. Let's do our part to support safe, productive, meaningful work-based learning opportunities for our youth.
Senator Toni Harp - (860) 240-0393
Senator Martin Looney - (860) 240-8629
Representative Toni Walker -(860) 240-8585
Representative Patricia Dillon - (860) 842-8267
Representative William R. Dyson - (860) 240-8500
Representative Juan Candelaria - (860) 240-8500
Representative Cameron Staples - (860) 240-8500
Representative Robert Megna - (860) 240-8500