Changes at "Bridging the Skills Gaps: Job Training for High Schoolers implemented by Jacob Riis"
Body (English)
Learn more about this project in the video below!
Original Idea Voted on by New Yorkers: Seniors who are isolated due to ill health or citizenship status need places to go. This project would connect youth and seniors and provide transportation, technology, and language access.
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Implementing Organization: Community Mediation Services
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Implementing Organization: Riis Settlement
Funding Amount: $170,000
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The responses below are directly from the community organizations selected to implement The People’s Money projects.
How does your organization plan to bring this idea to life?
We will expand our ESOL program to include comprehensive workforce development services. Through multilingual instruction, job certification support and case management, we'll help our students access employment opportunities. Our team will provide culturally sensitive training while leveraging existing partnerships for workforce resources.
What motivated your organization to apply to implement this idea?
RaisingHealth's motivation to apply for this project stems from consistent community feedback highlighting employment and income security as critical concerns, particularly among ESOL students and undocumented residents. The project naturally aligns with our mission to improve health equity by addressing social barriers to wellness.
How do you think this project will make a difference in your community?
This project will transform lives in our community by integrating workforce development into English classes, helping community members secure better employment opportunities. By addressing both language and job skills, we'll support families in achieving financial stability, ultimately improving their health and well-being.
List at least one thing you're excited about related to this project!
What excites us most is the opportunity to directly respond to our community's needs by bridging the gap between language learning and employment support, hopefully helping families overcome key barriers in their everyday lives.
How can someone participate or stay up to date on the project?
At the moment, we have instructed all of our previous and incoming students of the workforce development initiative; we are also working with WECNYC to have their students learn about the opportunity. Our community education partners have done flyering and outreach while our capacity coordinator has continuously bumped the ESOL announcements on our social media pages. Workforce development specific flyers are incoming and we are continuously reaching out to partners to see if they would be interested in being a part of this project.
Website: https://www.riissettlement.org/
Instagram: @riis_settlement
Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/riissettlement.org/
LinkedIn: @mediatenyc
The responses below are directly from the community organizations selected to implement The People’s Money projects.
How does your organization plan to bring this idea to life?
Offered at the Queensbridge Community Center, the program will provide students with personalized guidance from mentors who will help them identify their strengths, explore potential career paths, and develop effective job search strategies. This mentorship will empower them to navigate job markets and pursue their interests with clarity and confidence.
A core focus of the program is building foundational soft skills that are critical for success in any professional environment. Students will learn essential skills such as effective communication, teamwork, time management, and conflict resolution—competencies that will benefit them both during their internships and in their future careers.These skills will make them valuable assets to employers across a variety of Industries. Youth will be provided with tools for the workforce prior to and following their internship experience. This preparation will be delivered through a series of structured workshops, each tailored to address the specific needs of the participants.
Internship sites include:
Variety Boy's and Girls Club
Astoria Love, Family Enrichment Center
Levrich, Inc. (Graphic Design)
Celestial Music Academy
Jacob Riis IT Department
Ursula Stephens Beauty Salon
Kazani Beauty Hair Care
What motivated your organization to apply to implement this idea?
Founded in 1889, Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement (Riis Settlement) is a multi-service community-based organization embedded in western Queens for over 70 years. Our mission is to combat the effects of generational poverty and marginalization, while building and strengthening underserved communities. We serve the diverse low-income communities of Long Island City & Astoria, with particular focus on the nearly 20,000 residents of the area’s 3 major public housing sites: Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Astoria Houses (predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Asian residents). We provide place-based, multi-generational services & support that enable community members of all circumstances to achieve social & economic self-sufficiency.
Riis Settlement’s in-house Opportunity Youth Internships provide young people aged 16-24 with paid internships across the workforce. The program offers work readiness training, job counseling, and up to 140 hours of supported paid work experience, with jobs that match each participant's interests and provide opportunities for career exploration. Riis staff also assist participants in developing post-program action plans for further education and unsubsidized employment.
List at least one thing you're excited about related to this project!
Jacob Riis is excited to encourage youth in Queensbridge to find their footing through exploring different careers and forming new professional relationships.
How can someone participate or stay up to date on the project?
The LaunchPad Internship Experience has concluded, but you can visit our website to learn more!
Website: https://www.riissettlement.org/
Instagram: @riis_settlement
Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/riissettlement.org/
LinkedIn: @mediatenyc