Youth Opportunity Hub

Overview

With partnerships in ten high schools and five Hillel programs on CUNY campuses, and as a city-wide celebrated provider of youth employment initiatives – Commonpoint Queens is uniquely positioned to develop transformative programs in this state-of-the-art space. In addition, our experience in the launching of a one-stop, social service workforce development hub makes us perfectly suited to respond when Queens needs to return from crisis to stability. Poverty is more than just a lack of money. To achieve lasting health and healing, we need to provide holistic services – addressing the Mind, Body & Soul.

Individuals of all ages will receive employment counseling and job placement services, help with benefits assessment and enrollment, access to the food pantry, free legal assistance, mental health support, and health & wellness programs.

Click here for the Fall Program Schedule

Happening Now at the Youth Opportunity Hub:

• Young Entrepreneur Culinary Training Program – Interested in a career in the culinary field? Participants ages 14-24 can receive their food handler, SafeServ certifications, and a $200 stipend upon completion of the program! Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2:30pm and 3:30-5pm. Learn more and register here.
• Girls with Impact is your opportunity to launch your CEO era! Learn the basics of how to build and run a business in this 10 week academy program training New York’s young women as tomorrow’s leaders. All classes are free and held online on Thursdays at 4pm. Learn more and register here.
• College Access is a one-stop shop for supporting high school students in grades 9–12 with post-secondary planning including college tours & trips, information sessions with colleges and other post-secondary options, college application workshops, building a college list and essay, financial aid and scholarships information, and more. These services are available in-person at our Youth Opportunity Hub, Monday through Friday 4pm – 5:30pm either 1:1 and/or in small groups with an advisor. If you are interested, please complete our interest form and an advisor will reach out with more information.

Opportunity Youth GED/HSE Classes

We are excited to bring our GED programs to the Youth Opportunity Hub! Commonpoint Queens is thrilled to work with the NYC DYCD (Department of Youth and Community Development) to offer Advance & Earn, a unique program for young people between the ages of 16-24 who are not currently working or attending school and live in any of the 5 boroughs of New York City.

Commonpoint Queens provides GED Readiness Classes for those seeking to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma. In addition to academic classes, we also provide the following benefits:

• Financial Incentives for Academic Improvement and Participation
• Paid Internship Opportunities
• Comprehensive Case Management Support
• Work Readiness and Support Skills Classes
• Technology Assistance as needed
• College/Career Exploration Support
• Valuable Job Credentialing or Certification Opportunities
• Past Certifications offered include MOS, Security Guard, and National Retail Federation
• Assistance with signing up for the GED Exam

All applicants to the HSE Programs will need to take a TABEⓇ (Test of Adult Basic Education) Reading Test. The score on the TABE test will determine whether the applicant is eligible for the program and will be a factor in their placement in the program. Learn more about the test and do some practice questions here: https://tabetest.com/

To participate in this program, please fill out our eligibility form and we will contact you. For more information, contact Kelly McArdle at kmcardle@commonpointqueens.org