Cleveland City Council approves $500K for YOU youth employment program expansion

Cleveland City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing youth employment opportunities by approving an additional $500,000 for the Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) program during their meeting on April 7, 2025. This funding will allow the program to support a total of 400 youth this summer, a crucial initiative aimed at reducing violence and providing meaningful work experiences for young people in the community.

Last year, the YOU program successfully served 400 students, including 150 in an extended summer program and 55 through stipend-based community service. The program has shown a steady increase in participation, with 1,211 city youth involved in various employment opportunities funded by both the city and county. The current funding will enable the program to expand its reach, with an anticipated 1,330 slots available for Cleveland residents out of a total of 1,900.

Council members expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing jobs to youth as a means to foster community safety and personal development. Councilwoman Santana highlighted the positive impact of youth employment on reducing violence, sharing her personal experience with the program. Other council members echoed her sentiments, advocating for a more extensive public-private partnership to ensure that every interested young person has access to employment opportunities.

The council also discussed the need for a structured plan to sustain and potentially expand funding for the YOU program in the future. Councilman McCormick called for a collaborative effort among city, county, and private sectors to fully support youth employment initiatives, stressing that investing in young people is vital for the city's future.

In addition to summer employment, the program aims to provide year-round opportunities, with initiatives in place to help students transition from summer jobs to long-term career paths. The introduction of a career pathway navigator will assist graduates in exploring job opportunities and ensuring they have a plan for their future.

As the application window for the YOU program closes on May 1, the city remains committed to addressing the needs of its youth and fostering a supportive environment for their growth and success. The council's proactive approach signals a strong commitment to investing in the next generation, with hopes of creating a safer and more prosperous community for all.