St. Lawrence County will have $300,484 from the state for youth summer jobs programs.

Young people from low-income households will gain valuable work experience and a much-needed paycheck through St. Lawrence County’s Summer Youth Employment Program. The program connects participants to jobs and helps them acquire skills they can use in school and beyond.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is distributing $27.5 million across the state to fund the 2014 Summer Youth Employment Program. Young people in the program will work in places such as school districts, parks, nursing homes, summer camps, child care organizations, senior citizens centers and community recreation centers.

Businesses participating in the programs say it benefits both the students and employers, noting that some teens are hired in full-time positions after their program is complete.

To be eligible, participants must be between 14 and 20, and their total family income must be below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, the income for a family of three must be below $39,060 a year.

Those who are eligible and interested in participating should contact the local department of social services. To find out how, visit the OTDA website at http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp.