With summer right around the corner, Assemblyman Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) is encouraging youth and local businesses to take part in the Summer Youth Employment Program. The program helps local businesses create summer jobs, while also helping young adults from low-income families gain valuable skills in the workforce. “This investment provides teenagers critical experiences in the workforce and teaches them the value of earning a paycheck,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “This program helps invest money into our local economies, boosts our small businesses and can positively change the lives of countless young people.” Assemblyman Santabarbara noted that new funding has been designated to help with this program. The breakdown for the surrounding counties include: Albany County $504,919, Montgomery County $75,257 and Schenectady County $181,365. The program is available to teenagers and can be used to subsidize wages, support education and training, as well as provide for services such as transportation to and from work. Young people interested in participating can contact their local offices: