New Haven youth services department previews summer programs, youth employment and camp plans

City of New Haven Youth Services Department staff told the Youth Services Committee on Feb. 5 that Youth at Work applications are open, summer recreation and camp plans are set to roll out, and a range of ARPA-funded youth programs will continue though some elements may be scaled if future funding changes.

The department reported that Youth at Work applications have been available since January and that more than 200 applications had been submitted as of the meeting. Staff said the application deadline is April 17, 2025, and that worksites can apply online through the city portal. The department also said it will offer scholarships next spring (applications to be publicized in March) and noted that last year the program distributed $15,000 in scholarships to about 20 recipients.

Committee context: Kimberly Edwards, chair of the Youth Services Committee, and committee members received a two-part presentation from department staff about employment programs and recreation operations. The presentation covered youth employment, the youth service bureau, ARPA-supported programs, referral-based youth-cadet and youth-connect services, and the department’s recreation programming for the coming months.

Why it matters: Staff described ongoing services that reach hundreds of children and families across the city and emphasized continuity for programs originally under ARPA funding. City aldermen and staff discussed practical limits on facilities and…