County Executive Bello Announces Launch Of 2025-2026 ‘Roc Your Job’ After-school Employment Program In Partnership With Rochesterworks

September 25th, 2025

Eligible youth ages 14-20 can apply now at ROCYourJob.com

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RocYourJob.com

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Roc Your Job program, an after-school employment initiative that will run through the end of the current school year and provide hundreds of local teens with meaningful job opportunities.

Funded through $4 million from New York State's Youth Employment Program, Roc Your Job will place more than 500 youth from low-income households in communities most impacted by crime into paid positions across Monroe County. The program is in partnership with RochesterWorks and the Monroe County Department of Human Services (DHS).

"Providing our young people with an early start to job opportunities builds skills, confidence and a path to a brighter future," said County Executive Bello. "Programs like Roc Your Job don't just give kids a paycheck-they give them purpose, mentorship and experience that helps break the cycles of poverty and crime. I'm grateful to our DHS team, RochesterWorks, and our state delegation for investing in our youth and helping them succeed today and tomorrow."

Launched in January 2024, Roc Your Job quickly surpassed expectations. Initially designed to connect 340 students with after-school jobs, the program ultimately placed 451 youth at 66 different workplaces during the 2024-2025 school year. During that time, students participating in the program collectively worked over 112,000 hours, earning $15.00 per hour.

"RochesterWorks is proud to again partner with the Monroe County to provide local youth with opportunities to learn, earn, and grow through the ROC Your Job After School Employment Program," said Dave Seeley, Executive Director of RochesterWorks. "The program's success reflects both the strong need in our community and the commitment of our legislators, staff, employers, and participants who make it all possible. The benefits to our youth-and to our community-are tremendous."

"As Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, I believe building an economy that works for everyone starts with ensuring our young people have an opportunity to participate. The ROC Your Job After School Program is uplifting young people out of poverty - earning while they learn, building self-esteem and learning invaluable life skills along the way. Most importantly, they have a safe place to go after school that also serves to improve the vitality of our neighborhoods and benefit our small businesses. Thank you, County Executive Bello, Monroe County DHS, RochesterWorks, my state delegation colleagues and the many local businesses who participate in this program for making a difference in the lives our young people," said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson.

"The ROC Your Job Youth After School Program gives our young people more than just a paycheck. It gives them purpose, direction, and real-world experience. When students have the chance to build life skills, explore careers, and earn while they learn, they are far less likely to get caught up in negative influences after school. This program helps empower our future workforce with the tools they need to succeed in college, careers, and beyond," said Assemblymember Demond Meeks.

"Finding ways to empower our youth is a key component of both our anti-poverty and anti-crime initiatives. The ROC Your Job Initiative is the culmination of hard-fought advocacy by the county, and the state delegation in Albany. This program not only uplifts our young people and gives them a productive way to spend their time, but also helps us address our workforce shortage and reduce youth crime. This kind of initiative has generational impacts on those it services," said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford.

"The ROC your job program will have a sustained and meaningful impact on our students and our communities. Giving students employment opportunities beyond summertime allows for continued financial benefits along with the development of lasting skills, putting our youth on a clear path to success. The commitment that RochesterWorks has to our community and our youth in particular, has never been more visible. I am so excited to see this program continue to grow and change lives," said Assemblymember Sarah Clark.

"The 'Roc Your Job' program is a meaningful investment in the futures of our young people in Monroe County. Early employment opportunities create pathways for growth, learning, and empowerment for young people in underserved communities and help them hone lifelong skills for success," said Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55).

NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "The ROC Your Job After School Work Program for Youth is a proactive investment in Rochester's next generation of workers. This comprehensive program equips students with the essential skills and resources needed to succeed in today's workforce. Thank you to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello for your leadership and for prioritizing youth development through this initiative."

For the upcoming year, the program is open to youth ages 14-20 who live in households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. RochesterWorks will begin placing new participants on October 1, and applications are now being accepted at rocyourjob.com.

RochesterWorks is also seeking additional employer partners to join the initiative and provide work opportunities for participants. Employers and interested students are encouraged to learn more and apply at rocyourjob.com.