Gain skills and explore career interests through work readiness programs for youth.
Transition & College Access Centers (TCAC)
The NYC Public Schools Transition and College Access Centers are devoted to ensuring that students with disabilities are prepared for postsecondary life experiences. In addition to college readiness resources and support, these centers will also facilitate diverse work-based learning opportunities for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Brooklyn:
Boys & Girls High School
1700 Fulton Street
First Floor, Room G170
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Phone: (718) 804-6790
E-mail: BKLYNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov
Bronx:
DeWitt Clinton High School
100 West Mosholu Parkway S,
Room 150
Bronx, NY 10468
Phone: (718) 581-2250
E-mail: BXTCAC@schools.nyc.gov
Staten Island:
365 Bay Street
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (917) 722-3788
E-mail: SITCAC@schools.nyc.gov
Manhattan:
269 West 35th Street
Room 702
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 609-8491
E-mail: MNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov
Queens:
90-27 Sutphin Boulevard,
Room 152
Jamaica, NY 11435
Phone: (718) 557-2782
E-mail: Qnstcac@schools.nyc.gov
Training Opportunities Program (TOP)
Paid work based learning opportunity available to students with disabilities attending a NYC public high school. The program is administered by the NYC Public Schools Transition and College Access Centers.
Program Details:
- TOP liaisons identify work locations where students with disabilities will work up to 15 hours per week
- Hours count towards Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS)
Speak with your school’s Transition Coordinator/Leader or contact your local TCAC office for more information on how to apply to this program.
Ladders for Leaders
Paid summer internship program for high school and college students with high academic performance. Students are connected to internships with corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Program Details and Eligibility:
- Students receive help with resume, cover letter writing, and interviewing skills
- Internships align with student career goals and interests
- For rising high school seniors and college students between ages 16 to 24
- Must be a resident in one of the five boroughs of NYC
- Prior paid or volunteer work experience (ex. SYEP)
- Legally allowed to work in NYC
For more about Ladders for Leaders and how to apply visit their website here. Speak to the school’s Transition Coordinator/Leader for help with applying.
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Six-week youth employment program in July-August, that connects NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience.
Participants explore their career interests and pathways, develop workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that will help prepare them for their future careers.
Program Details:
- Participants can be enrolled in one of the following options:
- Community-Based SYEP
- Career Ready SYEP
- Emerging Leaders SYEP *
- SYEP Map to Success Program *
- Young people 14-15 yrs old, considered younger youth (YY), participate in paid project-based learning activities.
- Young people 16-24 yrs old, considered older youth (OY), are connected to paid jobs in various industries based on their interests.
- Youth are selected for SYEP by lottery or recruited by SYEP provider (for those eligible for special programming option).
Eligibility and how to apply for SYEP:
- Must reside in NYC and be legally allowed to work in the United States.
- Students attending a NYC public school can apply directly through their school. Speak to the school’s transition coordinator/leader or contact the TCAC office for your borough for more information.
*Note: Please check specific requirements for the program options as some are for specific age groups, young people who face employment barriers, or reside in specific NYCHA housing developments.
Learn more about SYEP and special programming eligibility.
Work, Learn, and Grow Employment Program (WLG)
Youth employment program that builds on the experiences gained in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). WLG provides youth with career readiness training focusing on career exploration, financial literacy, conflict resolution, resume/cover letter development, and opportunities to continue education and social growth. Participants also receive academic support, including guidance on postsecondary education and the potential to earn a college credit.
Program Details:
- Participants can be enrolled in:
- CareerReady WLG
- Special Initiatives WLG
- From October to March, with the internship beginning in December.
- Consists of 250 hours of training and employment programming.
- Participants work in a variety of entry-level jobs including: government agencies, hospitals, non-profits, small businesses, law firms, museums, sports enterprises, and retail organizations
Eligibility and how to apply:
- CareerReady WLG- between the ages of 16 and 19 by the start of the program, enrolled in a public high school, and participated in the last year CareerReady SYEP.
- Special Initiatives WLG- between the ages of 16 and 20 by the start of the program, currently enrolled in a high school or a high school equivalency program, and participated in the last year Special Initiatives SYEP.
- Must reside in NYC and be legally allowed to work in the United States
- Youth can apply for the program online or at a community-based organization during the application period. Participants are selected by lottery.
- Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.