Monroe County extends Roc Your Job youth program

Thanks to an additional $3.9 million in financial support from New York State, Monroe County is extending the Roc Your Job after-school employment program through the end of the current school year.

The countywide initiative is designed to address key social challenges by connecting youth in underserved neighborhoods to meaningful jobs. The program is aligned with RochesterWorks and the Monroe County Department of Human Services.

The goal is to break the cycles of poverty and crime.

“Providing our young people with meaningful employment is one of the most effective ways we can uplift our community and keep our neighborhoods safe,” County Executive Adam Bello said in a news release. “Every job opportunity builds skills, confidence and a path to a brighter future for our youth.”

The program launched in 2024 and was designed to connect 260 residents age 14-20 with after-school employment. Demand led to the hiring of 311 students. The additional state funding will provide employment opportunities for 340 young people from low-income households in communities most impacted by crime.

To be eligible, persons between 14 and 20 must live in households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

There are 40 employers — including retailers, nonprofits and government agencies — offering job placements, and RochesterWorks is seeking more employer partners to participate.

Visit rocyourjob.com for more information or to sign up.

“While the youth in the program learn valuable skills and earn a competitive wage, the host businesses get the employee help they need,” said Dave Seeley, executive director of RochesterWorks. “It’s a win-win situation for today’s economy and tomorrow’s workforce.”

The Department of Human Services actively works with families receiving financial assistance to connect eligible youth with Roc Your Job opportunities. The county also guides participants in the Juvenile Enhanced Diversion Stabilization (JEDS) program to the jobs program.

“The Roc Your Job program has been incredible successful by providing positive alternatives and opportunities for our young people,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson, chair of the labor committee. “Through an after-school job, our young people build self-esteem and gain valuable experiences, earning while they learn to help uplift themselves out of poverty.

“Most importantly, they have a safe place to go after school that also improves the vitality of our neighborhoods and benefits our small businesses.”

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