Senator Martins Secures State Funding For Elmont Non-Profit to Provide Job Training To At-Risk Youth

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) has secured $95,000 in state funding for Gateway Youth Outreach (GYO) to help provide job training and professional development services to at-risk youth. 

     “Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed; that’s the American dream.  Helping at-risk students develop career skills and providing them with real world work experience will put them on the path to success.  Using this funding, GYO will be able to change more children’s lives for the better,” said Senator Martins, Chairman of the Senate’s Labor Committee.

     Located in Elmont, GYO is a non-profit, voluntary, community-based organization which serves youth in the Sewanhaka Central High School District communities.  GYO promotes youth development and prevents delinquent behavior through free, accessible programs, services and counseling delivered by caring professionals.

     GYO will use the funding for its Acquiring Critical and Competitive Employment Skills for Success (ACCESS) program.  ACCESS is a yearlong program which prepares at-risk students at Elmont and Sewanhaka High Schools for a life of work and self-sufficiency through formal training, paid internships, and mentorships.  Students participate in an 8-10 week job readiness curriculum, attend professional development workshops, and work part-time.

     “Senator Martins has been a true champion for the needs of young people who participate in GYO's programs, most recently providing funding for its ACCESS program but also understanding the need for after school programs and counseling.  Without the incredible partnership between Senator Martins and GYO the large number of children and families now being served could be left with a tremendous void in services.  We very much look forward to continuing to work with Senator Martins in the future,” said GYO Executive Director Pat Boyle.

     “The district is grateful regarding Senator Martins’ efforts to secure funding necessary for continuing the job training program in collaboration with Gateway Youth Outreach. Through participating in this program, students learn the skills necessary to be successful within the workplace,” said Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent Dr. Ralph Ferrie.

     “Once again, Senator Martins has demonstrated by securing this grant for GYO his commitment to the young people of Elmont.  GYO plays an active role in the academic, social, and emotional development of the children in our community.  By providing jobs for teenagers as well as offering much needed after-school care for elementary school children, this program plants the seeds that help our young people flourish into successful and productive citizens,” said Elmont School District Superintendent Al Harper.

     “The GYO ACCESS program offers our students opportunities that otherwise would not be there for them.  This program provides our students with valuable job training and workplace experience that helps prepare them for the world beyond our walls,” said Elmont Memorial High School Principal Kevin Dougherty.