City of Troy and Rensselaer County Youth Workforce Program Shows Major Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2025

City of Troy and Rensselaer County Youth Workforce

Program Shows Major Results

(TROY, NY) - The City of Troy, in partnership with Rensselaer County Youth Workforce Development, proudly announced the success of its 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program. Now in its second year, the initiative - developed and championed by Kevin Pryor, the City's Director of Diversity, Opportunity, and Outreach - helped connect 211 local youth with meaningful summer jobs, including 186 young people from the City of Troy.

The program, which originated as a resource and information session at Troy High School's Tuesday lunch periods, has quickly grown into a countywide effort providing youth with opportunities across a variety of job sites. This summer, participants worked at the Rensselaer County Health Department, private businesses, and local nonprofit organizations, gaining hands-on experience and professional skills.

"From day one, it has been a priority of my administration to ensure as many kids as possible have summer work - being productive, learning about life, and gaining real-world experience instead of being on the streets," said Mayor Carmella Mantello. "Programs like this do more than provide summer jobs - they help build independence, responsibility, and decision-making skills that young people carry with them for life. I commend Kevin Pryor for his leadership in launching this initiative, and I am proud of the partnership we've built with Rensselaer County to ensure Troy's youth have pathways to success."

"This program is about more than just a paycheck," said Kevin Pryor, Director of Diversity, Opportunity, and Outreach. "It's about opening doors, building confidence, and showing our youth that their future here in Troy and Rensselaer County is bright and full of opportunities."

Rensselaer County Director of Youth Workforce Development Andre Leppanen praised the collaboration: "We are in the habit of building tomorrow's workforce. This program gives young people the tools, experiences, and confidence to step into their future with purpose."

The Summer Youth Employment Program reflects the City and County's joint commitment to workforce readiness and community investment, ensuring that young residents are equipped to contribute to Troy's and Rensselaer County's ongoing growth and renewal.

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