Chautauqua Works Youth Employment Program (YEP) is gearing up for 2026/2027 Program.

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has provided local workforce development areas funding to establish a Youth Employment Program (YEP).  YEP is an important platform which is intended to help reduce community gun violence and youth criminal justice involvement by providing year-round employment opportunities.  These funds will support the establishment of a program which includes employment, education and/or career exploration opportunities for TANF-eligible youth from low-income households.  This funding is further intended to support employment programs for youth at risk of gun violence as part of a statewide gun-violence reduction intervention model.

Chautauqua Works will connect eligible Chautauqua County youth ages 14-20 with entry-level jobs in a variety of industries, including government agencies, hospitals, camps, non-profits, small businesses, museums and retail organizations for a duration of 20 weeks.  At the conclusion of the 20 weeks, the employer will have the option to hire the youth, the youth may secure their own employment, or staff will assist with job search or career exploration activities. 

To be eligible for the Youth Employment Program, youth must:

• Reside in Chautauqua County
• Be between 14-20 years of age
• Meet income eligibility guidelines listed below:

You are eligible if your family receives Medicaid, SNAP Benefits, Family Assistance, SSI or HEAP.

If not, the annual household income must be at or below:                             

HOUSEHOLD SIZE                   YEARLY INCOME:

                                        1                                              $31,920

                                        2                                                43,280

                                        3                                                54,640

                                        4                                                66,000

                                        5                                                77,360

                                        6                                                88,720

                                        7                                              100,080

                                        8                                              111,440

For family units with more than eight members add $11,360 annually for each additional family member.

To apply for the Youth Employment Program: 

• Pick up an Eligibility Packet at either one of the Chautauqua Works locations at:

                4 E. 3^rd Street                     OR                          407 Central Avenue

                Jamestown, NY 14701                                     Dunkirk, NY  14048

• Call the Chautauqua Works office at 716-661-9553 and request an Eligibility Packet.

• Click here to download an Eligibility Packet.  (IF POSSIBLE, print on a color printer and print ONE SIDED)

The individual will be asked to return the completed Eligibility Packet back to Chautauqua Works.  Eligibility packets will be available on or about September 10, 2026.  Completed Eligibility Packets will be reviewed for eligibility in the Youth Employment Program.  You will be notified if you qualify for enrollment into the program.

“Chautauqua Works looks forward to conducting this program, which is similar to our Summer Youth Employment Program”, states Kathleen Geise, Executive Director, “and looks forward to working with and helping the Youth of Chautauqua County build their work readiness skills and obtain and retain employment”.

For additional information, please contact Megan Hall, Coordinataor at (716) 487-5193.

You may also contact:

                                            Heidi Bogue, Retention Specialist - Jamestown

                                            Tracy Grant, Retention Specialist - Jamestown

                                            Anyah Carson, Retention Specialist - Dunkirk