The Chamber once again received funds from Workforce Alliance of New Haven to operate the Middletown Youth @ Work Summer Employment Program. The program consisted of 60 Middletown students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who were between the ages of 14 and 24. These students were placed into employment on a part time basis with various non-profit organizations and businesses in the City of Middletown.

Once the school year started in September, ten of these bright young students maintained their employment as the program was revised to accommodate an after school format. The Chamber looks forward to once again working with the youth of Middletown as the school year winds down and the summer months approach. 

In partnership with the Community Renewal Team, the Chamber is actively involved in the Middlesex Youth Career Development Services Program or MYCDS.  MYCDS partners with local public school districts and helps students who are in danger of not graduating get their academic situation straightened out.  The Chamber’s role is to help provide these students with employment opportunities and access to career shadowing opportunities that expose them to the real world. 

In the past year, the MYCDS Program has helped a number students get their high school diploma and provided them with access to post secondary training programs or employment.