Aligned Systems Produce Results—Here Is the Proof
These numbers reflect what nearly two decades of coordinated effort in New York City has made possible. That effort feeds a national goal: 50,000 young adults on clearer paths by 2030.
100K
fewer young adults out of school and out of work in NYC than two decades ago.
20K+
people who have participated directly in JobsFirst NYC initiatives.
40+
innovative initiatives launched, institutionalized, or advanced into policy.
“The ultimate goal of working together is not just single point of contact but more job placements for young people…when we worked together on YASEP, [we saw] 20% increase in outcomes in effectiveness engaging employers, getting people jobs and better jobs.”
JobsFirst NYC Partner
“When I see a JFNYC meeting on my calendar, I know it will be worthwhile for my division. That’s not something I can say about other intermediaries in the space.”
JobsFirst NYC Partner
“Without the central convening of JobsFirstNYC, partnerships would remain entirely based on informal connections… JobsFirst creates that connective tissue and accountability that keeps collaborations alive.”
JobsFirst NYC Partner
Solution Spotlight:
Young Adult Sectoral Employment Project
Opportunity
Young adults needed careers, not just jobs, and employers needed talent pipelines that actually held.
Solution
JobsFirst NYC built eleven sector-focused partnerships across healthcare, green jobs, technology, transportation, and hospitality. Employers co-designed training programs aligned to real hiring needs, paired with youth development supports.
Impact
2,000+ young adults engaged in sector-focused training.
1,100+ secured quality jobs with paths to advancement.
Entry-level turnover at one employer dropped from 85% to 40% within a year.
Solution Spotlight:
Bronx Opportunity Network
Opportunity
The Bronx had the highest poverty concentration and lowest graduation rates in New York City.
Solution
JobsFirst NYC partnered with community-based organizations and CUNY community colleges to connect academics, advising, and career pathways so students could confidently move from high school to postsecondary education.
Impact
Students gained access to accelerated coursework that kept them on track to graduate.
The model influenced CUNY ASAP, now serving 100,000+ students citywide.
How We Measure Impact
Every part of the ecosystem matters: from the partnerships incubating solutions in neighborhoods to the systems strengthening the city and its communities.
What We’ve Accomplished
Two decades of work. Thousands of young New Yorkers on clearer paths.
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FAQ
Workforce systems change in New York City has produced measurable, lasting results. One hundred thousand fewer young adults are out of school and out of work in NYC than two decades ago. More than 20,000 people have participated directly in JobsFirst NYC initiatives. More than 40 innovative initiatives have been launched, institutionalized, or advanced into policy.
JobsFirst NYC builds the coordinating infrastructure that turns local expertise into lasting progress. We align work, education, and community systems around shared goals for young adults: bringing a shared framework, proven tools, and nearly two decades of practitioner-driven learning to every partnership. Workforce systems change in New York City happens because the infrastructure to sustain it is in place.
JobsFirst NYC measures workforce systems change in New York City across four dimensions: individual outcomes for young adults, partner organizational capacity, systemwide improvements to practice and policy, and population-level changes across the city. Every part of New York City’s ecosystem matters: from partnerships incubating solutions in neighborhoods to systems strengthening the city and its communities.