Natasha Vaughn-Holdridge is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Columbia and Greene counties are the recipients of funding to provide jobs this summer for disadvantaged youths. The state of New York has made available $46 million to provide training and employment as part of its Summer Youth Employment Program. Columbia County will receive $110,582 and Greene County will receive $115,533. An estimated 19,000 youth from low income families statewide will participate this year according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office. The program introduces the participants into the labor market so they can develop useful skills that will help them improve school performance and become responsible adults. It supports communities in creating summer jobs for youth, including communities where youth are vulnerable or susceptible to gun violence. Participants work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, nursing homes, summer camps, childcare organizations, senior citizen centers and community recreation centers, and more. To be eligible, participants must be 14 to 20 years old and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level or $46,060 for a family of three. Interested young people are encouraged to contact their local department of social services. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.