NEW! Groundwork for Success Program Expands

For the past two years Groundwork has been operating a highly successful pilot of Groundwork for Success serving 25 students each year. The program has consisted of youth employment, personal development workshops and college preparation programming.

In 2005 , Groundwork received a $2,392,440 grant over four years from the Department of Education 21 st Century Community Learning Centers to expand the program from 25 students to 100 by September 2006. During the current academic year, GWS is serving 82 students. We have also hired six full time staff members to implement the expanded program. The expanded program now includes a partnership with ProTesters to provide SAT preparation and a customized Summer College Readiness Course to rising seniors; mentoring including a partnership with iMentor , a non profit organization which matches young people from underserved communities in New York City with adult mentors; college tours beginning freshmen year; work experience including community service projects freshmen and sophomore year and semester long internships junior and senior year; workshops focusing on skills development, financial literacy, and health; peer support groups; Student Advisory Board; individual support; family support; and continuing support after graduation.

Groundwork for Success is a youth employment, business education, and leadership development program for young adults ages 16 to 20 in the campuses served by Groundwork for Youth. Participants hold paid employment with Groundwork for three days a week and participate in peer support groups, college admissions counseling, and leadership training one day a week. Students also attend a free college tour each year.

Most Groundwork for Success participants work as junior team leaders in Groundwork for Youth. In addition, Groundwork operates Fresh Ground, a student-run fresh food market that sells healthy affordable foods during the summer months.