Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that more than 18,000 teens will have jobs this summer through New York State’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has distributed $25 million in funding to all 57 counties and New York City to help bring youth into the workforce, acquire skills that can help them improve in school, and propel them to greater educational and career achievements.

“The Summer Youth Employment Program offers a great opportunity for employment to teenagers and young adults,” noted Assemblyman Thiele. “These youth will gain valuable skills and experience that will help them and their families succeed in the future.”

Youth ages 14 to 20, whose families are recipients of public assistance, or have a family income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $38,180 for a family of three, are eligible.

The funding can be used to subsidize wages, to support education and training activities, counseling and employment-related services, such as transportation to and from work or training. Youth interested in participating can contact Suffolk County Department of Social Services located at 3085 Veterans Highway, Ronkonkoma, New York, 11779, by calling 631-854-9963.

Last year, 580 youth in Suffolk County participated in the Summer Youth Employment Program.