Youth Employment Collage

CT Youth Employment & Training Program



The Connecticut Youth Employment and Training Program offers year-round employment opportunities for eligible youth ages 14-24 in eastern Connecticut. Participants gain hands-on experience in health careers, worker safety, clerical work, landscaping, human services, food preparation, and more.

Through a partnership between the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, EASTCONN, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, and New London Youth Affairs, youth earn minimum wage working 80-100 hours during July and August, with some internships extending longer. The program includes training in résumé writing, goal setting, career exploration, and budgeting, helping youth develop skills for their career pathway while connecting with their local community.

New London Youth Affairs serves youths in the following Towns: New London, East Lyme, Groton, Mystic, Ledyard, Lyme, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Salem, Stonington, and Waterford.

EWIB, local foundations, various CT State Departments, City of New London, and area partnerships fund the program. The program is subject to pending funding.

Complete the 2026 CT Youth Employment Interest Form to get started!


Applications Are Being Accepted NOW!

Youth are invited to begin the application process by following the steps below:

STEP ONE: Create A CTHIRES Account
For step by step instructions, click here.

  • Go to https://www.cthires.com
  • Click "Sign In/Register"
  • Click "Individual Registration"
  • Click "Comprehensive Registration"
  • Create your username and password
  • Write your CTHIRES account Username
  • Complete application and click next on the bottom of the page

STEP TWO: Upload Your Documents To CTHIRES (Do Not Email)
For instructions on how to upload your documents, click here.

  • Birth Certificate
  • Signed Social Security Card
  • Permanent Resident Card (if born outside the USA)
  • Most recent Report Card (if attending school)
  • Picture ID (if 18+ year old
For Low-Income Status Eligibility, One of the following documents is required
  • Proof of Free or Reduced Lunch (If attending school)
  • Recipient of State Cash Assistance or SNAP benefits (include DSS ConneCT Print out)
  • Youth with Disability, and their individual earnings equal or less than 185% of the 2025 federal poverty level
Categorical Eligibility DOES NOT require additional proof of income status, but please circle if one is true:
  • A foster child
  • Pregnant or parenting, including custodial parent
  • Unhoused
  • Justice-involved with Court Support Services Division
  • English language learner
  • Level Up Student

STEP THREE: Sign And Return This Program Release Form.
If you are under 18 years old, please have a parent/guardian sign as well.
You can email your signed release form to: pcruz@newlondonct.gov or jalvarez@newlondonct.gov, or deliver it in person to:
Nl Youth Affairs
1 Recreation Way
New London, CT 06320

The office is open Monday - Friday between 12PM-4PM.

You will be contacted via email for an interview by a CT youth employment program staff member after your eligibility documents and your release form have been reviewed.

Need help?
Please contact us if you need assistance completing your CTHIRES account or uploading your documents.
You can e-mail pcruz@newlondonct.gov or jalvarez@newlondonct.gov or call us at 860-442-4994.

Submission of an application DOES NOT guarantee placement into the program.





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Ramone's Auto Detail



Painting Chairs

working at the pool

In the words of our summer employees -

"I learned to have more patience and be responsible."

"I have gained skills I'm going to carry on with me for the rest of my life."

"Time management is important as well as communication."


In the words of our worksite supervisors -

"He's very responsible."

"I would recommend her for any position."

"Always asks questions and listens to answers / guidance."


Copyright © 2026 New London Youth Affairs - 1 Recreation Way - New London CT 06320 - 860-442-4994.