NYC Center for Economic Opportunity

CUNY Young Adult Employment Program (CYAP) aims to provide customized vocational training, support, job development, placement, and retention services to disconnected youth age 18-24.

Problem Statement
There are approximately 165,000 young people ages 16-24 in NYC who are not in school, not working, and not looking for work. These disconnected young adults are increasingly at risk for long-term economic hardship as they lose out on opportunities to become members of a workforce that is increasingly educated and skilled. Disconnection negatively impacts these individuals' lifetime earning capacity. There is also evidence that disconnection is associated with higher crime rates- including more drug-related crime.

Research & Evidence
In today's labor market, well-paying jobs are increasingly tied to educational attainment level, and frequently offered to individuals who have specialized skills, previous work experience, and connections to an employer network. This leaves disconnected youth at a distinct disadvantage when looking for a job, as many have low educational attainment and little to no previous job experience. Studies have shown that early work experience and on-the-job training have a positive impact on labor market returns, meaning that individuals who lack secondary or post-secondary degrees can improve their wage-earning prospects by accumulating specialized training and skills.

Additionally, national research shows that individuals who take part in a work experience during the teenage years have a smoother transition to the labor market as well as higher beginning wages and higher earnings 10 to 15 years after leaving high school.

Program Description
This program is a partnership of three City University of New York (CUNY) colleges- LaGuardia Community College (the lead organization), Kingsborough Community College, and New York City College of Technology. Each of these campuses have extensive experience in providing workforce development training. The programs offer vocational training and the opportunity to participate in internships that provide hands-on experiential learning as well as the chance to earn industry-recognized credentials.

Each college offers a specific vocational skills training program that provides relevant industry certifications and connects youth to employment:

• Kingsborough Community. College: Food Service and Hospitality Operations & Management
• LaGuardia Community. College: Allied Health
• NYC College of Technology: Construction and Facilities Management

Additionally, all of the sites offer a bridge preparation course to strengthen academic preparation, provide job readiness training, connection to work supports, information and referral services, and job placement assistance. Services are designed to allow students to build skills, gain experience, and create formal connections with employers that they may be able to use for future employment opportunities. The colleges offer a variety of incentives to promote retention and achievement of outcomes.

Target Population
The program targets young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years who are out-of-school and not working. Participants should have a high school diploma or equivalent prior to entering the program. Participants are recruited from several sources, including the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) applicants, young adults who have aged out of the foster care system, former high school students still in touch with their guidance counselors but who have not moved into post-secondary educational institutions, and residents in isolated communities who have participated in CUNY workshops but who are not employed.

Expected Outcomes

• 75% (64 participants) of those who complete the training will attain relevant industry certifications and be placed in employment paying at least $10/hour.