The governor spoke about a proposed bill that would supplement funds to prevention programs
Governor Ned Lamont, state officials and city leaders including President and CEO of Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, Catherine Awwad and NRWIB’s Youth program manager, Jalil Shabazz came together Wednesday, March 16th in support of a proposed bill that would increase funding for evidence-based prevention and intervention programs, similar to the Connecticut Summer Youth Employment Program.
Awwad notes the importance of giving youth their first employment opportunities. “The workforce board does it’s best to match students with jobs that may spark a career interest,” She emphasized. “They are also earning a significant wage over the course of the summer and learning to develop a solid work ethic.”
“There’s something in this bill for everybody,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo Jr. said. But the most important thing is that it benefits the youth and juvenile’s who need it the most right now.
Chaz Carmon, president of Ice the Beef, a youth organization in New Haven, Waterbury, and other cities, emphasized to the crowd that reducing violence in cities across the state is a vital priority. Carmon worked with NRWIB’s YouthBuild Waterbury program. “Establishing mentoring relationships with youth is so important, whether it is with an employer or a program leader.”
For more information about the upcoming Connecticut Summer Youth Employment program, check nrwib.org in April for the online portal to apply.