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Job training and employment for low-income youth ages 16-24

Train & Earn | NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)

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How it Works

Train & Earn is a short-term program for low-income youth (ages 16-24) who are not working nor in school. Youth can get training to improve their job skills and find permanent work, as well as HSE prep.

  • Train & Earn can help you get:
    • a permanent job.
    • high school equivalency (HSE) if you need it.
    • education and training after high school.
  • You can enroll at different times throughout the year.
  • After finishing the program, you can get follow-up services for up to 12 months.

Determine your eligibility

To be eligible for Train & Earn, you should be able to answer yes to these questions:

  1. Are you a resident of NYC?
  2. Are you 16-24 years old?
  3. Are you not working?
  4. Are you registered for selective service, if you’re an eligible male?
  5. Are you not attending school? (i.e. you have not graduated high school, or you do not have a high school equivalency diploma)
    • OR you have a high school diploma or equivalency but are an English language learner or need to improve basic literary skills
  6. Do you meet one of these requirements:
    • You or someone in your household gets cash assistance or SNAP (food stamps)
    • You are a homeless or runaway youth
    • You are a foster care youth or have aged out of the foster care system
    • You are involved in the justice system
    • You have a disability
    • You are pregnant or a parent
    • You are low-income and need more help to enter or complete an education program, or to get or hold a job
    • Is your household’s income at or below the amount shown in this chart?
Household size Yearly income
1 $15,650
2 $21,150
3 $26,650
4 $32,150
5 $37,650
6 $43,150
7 $48,650
8 $54,150
For each additional person add $5,500

You must be able to work lawfully in the United States to participate in paid work experiences.


How to apply

Apply online

Find a program on the DiscoverDYCD website by typing “Train & Earn” into the “Program Search” box. Contact a program near you to apply.

Find a program


More information

Visit the website

Visit the DYCD website for more information.

Call Youth Connect

Call 800-246-4646 if you have questions about this program.


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Last Updated April 7, 2025