The City of Newburgh will offer paid jobs to local students during the school year through an agreement with Orange County aimed at helping young people gain work experience in city government.

The city is looking for participants for the 2026-27 Youth Employment and Training Program for the Planning and Development Department and the Code Compliance Bureau. Students can also be placed in other departments if more opportunities become available and the city manager approves the arrangements. The positions are expected to run from January 4 through April 30, 2027.

The City Council approved the agreement Monday, Oct. 26, authorizing Interim City Manager Jason Morris to enter into a contract with the county.

The program is open to Orange County residents ages 14 to 20 from families earning no more than 200% of the federal poverty level, with income limits determined by household size.

Participants will be paid through the county, allowing the city to provide jobs without covering their wages. The city will oversee their assignments and provide supervision while they work in their respective departments.

Students can work up to 18 hours per week, with shifts limited to weekdays and ending no later than 5 p.m. Participants ages 14 and 15 may work no more than three hours on school days, while 16- and 17-year-olds are limited to four hours. The students’ actual hours will depend on their school schedules and the needs of the departments where they are assigned. Work schedules must also not interfere with students’ performance and attendance and participants cannot work during school hours, according to NYS labor laws for minors and program guidelines.

Before students begin their assignments, the city must complete an agreement with the county outlining its responsibilities as an employer. Program staff may also inspect participating workplaces to ensure students are working under appropriate conditions.

Students will attend an orientation covering the program’s requirements before officially beginning work. Once assigned to a position, students must contact their supervisors to confirm their schedules, work locations and responsibilities.
The program will also restrict students from participating in recreational trips or activities outside Orange County. Exceptions will require approval from the county’s program coordinator and written consent from the student and their parent or guardian.

Newburgh has participated in the county’s youth employment programs for approximately 15 years, offering positions during both the summer and academic year. City officials said fewer students typically participate during the school year because they must balance their jobs with classes.

The positions are intended to introduce students to everyday workplace responsibilities while giving them an opportunity to develop skills they can use in future jobs.

The county will determine which applicants qualify and arrange placements with participating employers. Although Newburgh has requested four students, the number ultimately assigned to city departments will depend on the county’s placement process.