Opportunity Youth Programs
Overview
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The term “Opportunity Youth” refers to those between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither in school nor working. This may be due to a variety of reasons- including barriers such as homelessness, pregnancy or parenting, or involvement with the juvenile justice or child welfare systems.
The negative effects of this disconnection are ongoing, resulting in lower incomes, higher unemployment rates, and negative physical and mental health outcomes. Young adults who are not in school or working represent untapped potential, or opportunity, for our nation.
We offer a comprehensive High School Equivalency program to help out of school young adults get back on the right track. We also offer medical certification programs for high school graduates who are not in college/have a college degree and are unemployed.
All of our Opportunity Youth Programs provide either a stipend or paid internships and career readiness classes to prepare our participants to enter the workforce. Programs include Advance & Earn and Train & Earn.
Opportunity Youth
Advance and Earn
Commonpoint Queens is thrilled to be working with the NYC DYCD (Department of Youth and Community Development) to offer Advance & Earn, a unique new 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.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Young people between the ages of 16 and 24 years old
- Residents of one of the five boroughs of New York City
- Currently not working or in school
- Willing to commit six months to the program
- Legally authorized to work in New York City
Programs will be held at:
Commonpoint Queens Youth Opportunity Hub
82-17 Parsons Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11432
Commonpoint in the Bronx (click here to fill out our inquiry form!)
804 E. 138th Street
Bronx, NY 10454
SCHEDULE: All Advance and Earn Programs run on two 20-week semesters. The Spring Semester will start in February 2024 and end June 2024.
Programs include:
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
Pre-HSE (formerly pre-GED) classes are now being offered at Commonpoint Queens’ Workforce Hub in Elmhurst for those who are looking to earn a high school equivalency diploma, but are in need of additional supportive service before entering HSE classes. These classes focus on improving math and literacy skills.
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/
Participants in both the Pre-HSE and HSE programs receive strong supportive services through case management, work readiness, and support skills classes. All participants are also provided assistance with registering for the GED exam and are eligible for financial incentives for demonstrating academic progress.
Did you know? If you have already passed any NYS Regents Exams, you don’t need to take those subjects on the GED Exam!
For individuals who already have a HS diploma or equivalent, and who are not enrolled in college and don’t have a college degree, we offer a variety of high-demand certifications in the medical field. These certifications include EKG/Phlebotomy Tech, Certified Nurse Aide, and Clinical Medical Administrative Assistant, which are offered through Access Institute and LaGuardia Community College.
Services include:
- Certification Classes
- Textbooks and uniform
- Certification exam (first time)
- Work Readiness and Support Skills Classes
- Paid Internship Opportunities
- Comprehensive Case Management
- Job Placement Assistance
How to apply: 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
Train and Earn
Train & Earn (formerly the Out-of-School Youth Program) is a career pathways program that provides comprehensive job training and employment services, along with support services needed by participants to find a permanent job, obtain their high school equivalency if applicable, and access postsecondary education and training. Train & Earn is for youth and young adults aged 16–24, who are not working and not in school, and meet certain eligibility requirements.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Young people between the ages of 16 and 24 years old
- Residents of one of the five boroughs of New York City
- Currently not working or in school
- Must meet income and other eligibility criteria
- Reside in NYCHA or high poverty area
- Pregnant or parenting
- Currently or formerly received foster care services
- Currently or formerly court involved
- Homeless/Runaway
- Receive SNAP or other public assistance
- Have a disability
- Had an IEP in High School or Middle School
- Must be a New York City resident
- For Train and Earn medical certification programs offered through the Opportunity Youth Programs at Commonpoint Queens, all applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be 18 years of age.
SCHEDULE: Train and Earn Programs typically run on two 20-week semesters.
For individuals who already have a HS diploma or equivalent, and who are not enrolled in college and don’t have a college degree, we offer a variety of high-demand certifications in the medical field. These certifications include EKG/Phlebotomy Tech, Certified Nurse Aide, and Clinical Medical Administrative Assistant, which are offered through Access Institute and LaGuardia Community College.
Services include:
- Certification Classes
- Textbooks and uniform
- Certification exam (first time)
- Work Readiness and Support Skills Classes
- Paid Internship Opportunities
- Comprehensive Case Management
- Job Placement Assistance
To participate in this program, please fill out our eligibility form here and we will contact you. For more information about our programs, contact Kelly McArdle at kmcardle@commonpointqueens.org
Youth Opportunity Hub
Digital Food Pantry
CAPE Mental Health
Programs at the Youth Opportunity Hub
Youth Workforce Programs
Did you know?
Our wide variety of programs are available throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area! Browse our list of facilities to learn more about our core locations and program sites.