WHEREAS, out-of-school youth (OSY) face structural barriers to formal employment, including the absence of work experience and limited access to networks;

WHEREAS, paid internships have been shown to materially improve long-term employment outcomes and reduce intergenerational poverty;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this body urges the Department of Labor and Employment, with the NYC and TESDA, to:

• Expand the existing Government Internship Program to dedicate at least 30% of slots to verified OSY applicants;
• Set a stipend floor that meets the regional minimum wage;
• Partner with private sector employers willing to co-host placements, with the NYC publishing participating employers on the Youth Champions portal.

WHEREAS, out-of-school youth (OSY) face structural barriers to formal employment, including the absence of work experience and limited access to networks;

WHEREAS, paid internships have been shown to materially improve long-term employment outcomes and reduce intergenerational poverty;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this body urges the Department of Labor and Employment, with the NYC and TESDA, to:

• Expand the existing Government Internship Program to dedicate at least 30% of slots to verified OSY applicants;
• Set a stipend floor that meets the regional minimum wage;
• Partner with private sector employers willing to co-host placements, with the NYC publishing participating employers on the Youth Champions portal.