Nassau Expands 2021 Summer Youth Employment Program

MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County's Summer Youth Employment Program — which connects young residents with paid job placements — is expanding this year to include more opportunities in growing industries, like health care.

County Executive Laura Curran (D) made the announcement Thursday morning in Mineola, saying the program will offer new career opportunities with employers such as Northwell Health and Island Harvest.

"(The program) gives young people in our communities a chance at a job for the summer. A job that pays," Curran said, surrounded by representatives and participants of the program. "They're working with real estate agents, they're working in government, they're working with nonprofits, they're working with other kinds of businesses — private businesses — to explore potential career opportunities."

Sophia Conrad, who was placed in Northwell Health's Office of Legal Affairs, called it an "amazing opportunity," where she can explore the legal field before leaving to Barnard College next year to study political science. Like other participants, Conrad is being offered education, training, and support services, as well as the chance to connect with potential employers.

"So far I've mostly worked with dispelling vaccine myths to assist our frontline workers, learning more about the various policies and procedures of the health care system, and seeing what it really means to pursue a career in law," Conrad said. "Seeing the inside of a busy office is no longer daunting. I believe I speak for all my peers when I say it's inspiring — and that this is the real-world experience that we have all been craving."

To be eligible for the program, residents must be between the ages of 14 and 21. The county's Department of Social Services has partnered with various other county departments to place more than 75 teenagers and young adults in various jobs.