Media Advisory: Combating Skyrocketing Unemployment Among Youth in the Capital Region

ALBANY, NY (03/17/2010)(readMedia)-- "The number one forecaster of future success in the workplace is early exposure to work. Still, unemployment among youth is reaching crisis proportions in the Capital Region. We need to be innovative, creative and show what the future of this state can do. That's what we'll be doing in Albany on Thursday."

- State Labor Commissioner Colleen C. Gardner

Locally, the unemployment rate among young people ages 16 to 24 is more than two and one-half times as high as that of all age groups. On Thursday, March 18, State Labor Commissioner Colleen C. Gardner will be hosting a press conference at the Albany Elks Lodge to announce new funding aimed at combating the unemployment rate among youth in the Capital Region. Real life testimonials and success stories will be on display of youth who are turning their lives around and building a foundation for a new career.

WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2010 – 10 a.m.

WHERE: Albany Elks Lodge

25 South Allen Street

Albany, NY 12208

WHO: State Labor Commissioner Colleen C. Gardner

Harold Kaplan, Vice President, Culinary Tech Center

Albany County Executive Michael Breslin (invited)

Testimonials from students with educational and social barriers who are succeeding in their training for careers in the culinary arts