54,000 kids landed jobs through the NYC-funded summer jobs program in 2015

More than 54,000 New York City youths landed summer jobs through the Summer Youth Employment Program this year.

Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Bill Chong tells the Daily News (http://nydn.us/1fQR3ol ) it's the highest number in the program's 50-year history.

Last year, 47,000 young people ages 14-24 found paid summer jobs lasting up to six weeks through the program.

Chong attributed the rise to an additional $12 million in city funds to the program, for a total of nearly $79 million.

The program received more than 130,000 applicants this year. Participants were selected through a lottery system.

The program ended earlier this month.

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Information from: Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com