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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 get 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 need to meet all of these criteria:

  1. You live in NYC;
  2. You’re 16-24 years old;
  3. You’re registered for selective service, if you’re an eligible male;
  4. You’re not working;
  5. You’re not attending school (and you haven’t graduated high school or you don’t 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. 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 were in foster care or 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 make less than the income limits in the chart below, and need more help to enter or finish an education program, or to get or hold a job.
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

 

Immigration status requirements

You must be able to work lawfully in the U.S. 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


Need help?

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 May 23, 2025

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