The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has announced the launch of a new workforce training program designed to provide opportunities and resources for young residents in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The program, funded by a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to prepare youth for jobs in high-demand industries and help them earn higher salaries.
According to Michelle Raymie, director of NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability, the program will focus on providing opportunities for young people who have traditionally faced barriers to employment. “Being able to provide opportunities and help people grow and bring resources is vital for the success of our city’s future,” she said.
The program comes at a critical time as NYC grapples with an affordability crisis, with rising rents and dwindling housing options for low- and moderate-income individuals across the five boroughs. It also aligns with Mayor Eric Adams’ goal of better preparing the city’s youth for jobs in a changing economy by connecting them with high-demand industries through early outreach.
“This program will be the start of what NYCHA can do to directly serve its younger residents, not only in Brownsville but eventually across more public housing developments,” said Raymie.
The program, which will span 40 months, will be based on the successful model of YouthBuild, a federally funded organization that supports young people in becoming leaders in their community. Participants will receive hands-on training and certifications in construction by renovating three vacant NYCHA units. This effort also addresses the growing number of vacant units within NYCHA properties, which reached 5,000 in May of this year.
In addition to job skills training, participants will receive stipends during the six-month program and 12 months of follow-up assistance with job placement. Half of the program will be devoted to helping residents obtain their GED, in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library, while the other half will focus on workforce training provided by the Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation.
The program is open to residents living in Brownsville and NYCHA Section 8 housing in the 11212 or 11233 ZIP codes. Recruitment for the first cohort will begin later this summer, with plans to eventually expand to other NYCHA developments across the city.
This initiative tackles a critical issue facing young New Yorkers between the ages of 16-26, as one in six were reported to be out of school and work in 2021, leading to lower earnings, household wealth, and overall health outcomes. The NYCHA workforce training program aims to provide a solution to this problem by empowering young individuals with the skills and resources necessary for long-term success.
Interested residents can learn more about the program by calling 718-289-8100. With this initiative, NYCHA is taking steps towards creating a brighter future for its young residents in Brownsville and beyond.
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