SYRACUSE -- The New York State Labor Department reported on Friday that the statewide unemployment rate is 8.2%. Among 16 to 24 year olds the unemployment rate in Syracuse it is more than 16%.

Governor Cuomo and a bi-partisan group of lawmakers say $25 million in support for employers will help improve the lives of teens who live in targeted low income areas. 

Employers like the Nojaims Brothers market on Syracuse's Near West side can receive tax breaks and training money if they hire an unemployed youth in their neighborhood. Annette Rivera started working at Nojaims Market 8 years ago. Now she's about to graduate from Le Moyne college and Riveria says having a job made all the difference for her ability to stay in school.

"I wasn't sure if I wanted to go on to college and get a higher education but working for Nojaims made me see there is more out there in the world and not just staying here."

Employers need to register for the program. Governor Cuomo's office says 120 businesses, including Nojaims, across New York have joined the New York Works Youth program.