Youth Development
Adolescence has many challenges, even under the best of circumstances. Add to the mix social, emotional or cultural barriers, domestic violence or the peer pressure associated with gangs, and the risk for young people to fail in school, lose hope in the future, turn to drugs or show signs of depression escalate.
The Guidance Center is here to lend support and services so that young people can navigate these challenges. We help students overcome barriers, gain confidence and develop as leaders.
Workforce Development Academy for Youth (Mount Vernon)
Our Workforce Development Academy for Youth reaches at-risk, hard-to-employ teens and provides them with tools and opportunities so they can graduate high school. We work collaboratively with the Mount Vernon High School social worker to identify and enroll students who will benefit from the intensive educational, work-readiness and youth leadership programs. The goal is to help reduce the drop-out rate while increasing the opportunity for students to transition to employment or other academic goals, such as college or vocational training. The program is funded by the Westchester/Putnam Local Workforce Investment Board through a federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grant. It is currently only available in Mount Vernon, and students must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Project CREATE (New Rochelle)
At-risk and disabled students who will not meet the credit requirements for high school graduation have the opportunity to earn a GED and receive transitional services through Project CREATE (Careers, Recreation, Education and Transitional Effectiveness), a collaborative program with New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle Outreach and Iona College. Classes are held at Iona College, Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
VESID Model Transition Program (MTP)
By partnering with the school districts Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and Lakeland Central school districts, The Guidance Center provides transitional services to students who meet the criteria for VESID eligibility. Services vary by district and may include: college tours, career assessment, job shadowing, internship development, job search and development training, and job coaching.
For information on Workforce Development Academy for Youth, Project CREATE or VESID MTP, please contact Laura Siegel, MS, CRC, LMHC: 914-632-7600 x220; Email: lsiegel@tgcny.org