Commonpoint Queens Partners with DYCD and Per Scholas to launch new Advance and Earn Youth Workforce Program in the Bronx
Bronx, NY — Human Services organization Commonpoint Queens is expanding its youth workforce services, and will be launching a Bronx-based Advance and Earn Program for young people ages 16-24 who are not currently working or attending school.
The new Advance and Earn Program, which is funded by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, will be offered out of Per Scholas headquarters located at 804 E 138th Street. The program provides High School Equivalency classes to prepare young people for the GED, as well as work readiness courses, internship opportunities and advanced training for a variety of high-demand certifications in the medical field. These certifications include EKG/Phlebotomy Tech, Certified Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Technician, and Clinical Medical Administrative Assistant.
“Young adults who are not in school or working represent untapped potential, or opportunity, for our nation. The negative effects of this disconnection are ongoing, resulting in lower incomes, higher unemployment rates, and negative physical and mental health outcomes,” said Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint Queens. “We are grateful for the continued support of DYCD to make a meaningful impact in our communities, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Per Scholas to reach a new audience for us in the Bronx.”
“Meeting the needs of young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in school or working is a high priority I share with Mayor Adams. As part of the Summer Youth Employment Program this past year, we provided a record 100,000 opportunities for young New Yorkers, with a focus on youth who are NYCHA residents, in temporary housing or foster care, or who are runaway, homeless, or justice-involved. DYCD looks forward to working with our partners Commonpoint Queens and Per Scholas, to provide new Advance & Earn opportunities to Bronx youth that really need the help. I know that struggle: growing up in the Bronx, I was one of those kids,” said DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard.
Commonpoint Queens currently works with Per Scholas to offer Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity Training and Job Placement programs as part of its Employment Services division. This division provides job placement assistance, vocational training in the allied health, culinary, and technology sectors, ESOL and HSE classes, social services, and access to food, among other services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Commonpoint Queens to our home in the Bronx. They are a tremendous partner, and we’ve had a lot of shared success this past year through our Satellite Model tech training,” said Debbie Roman, Per Scholas New York Managing Director. “With education at our core, I’m very optimistic about what our shared future holds and all we’ll accomplish together in the new year.”
You can learn more about the Advance and Earn Program by visiting www.commonpoint.org/oyp, or for more information contact Kelly McArdle, Senior Director of Opportunity Youth Programs, at KMcArdle@commonpointqueens.org
