Our blog series, 5 Questions in a New York Minute, highlights the work of JobsFirstNYC’s partners in New York City’s workforce. Through concise and insightful interviews, we aim to spotlight the unique experiences, strategies, and new approaches of a diverse group of individuals as they navigate and adapt to a rapidly evolving work landscape in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Join us for inspiring stories that shape the Big Apple!
5 Questions in a New York Minute with Executive Director of STRIVE New York, Ayesha George
Can you provide an overview of your organization’s mission and how it specifically supports young people who are out of school and out of work?
STRIVE’s mission is to provide a pathway to life-changing careers for people facing societal barriers to economic mobility, through comprehensive professional training, wraparound services, and lifetime support for graduates of our programs. STRIVE is committed to providing equitable access to quality employment and opportunities needed to advance, including lifetime access to STRIVE’s network and support system.
Our flagship program, Career Path, serves adults ages 18 and up, providing comprehensive career development opportunities. The Future Leaders program, launched in 2015, is tailored for justice-impacted young adults aged 18–24. The program emphasizes workforce training, career exploration, educational enrichment, and hands-on work experience to help participants build a successful future. and is delivered by staff trained in program services and positive youth development, creating a supportive environment for participants.
The Future Leaders program model is further enhanced with case management, mentoring, community service projects, and financial capability education. Completion time varies between 6 to 16 weeks, depending on the chosen career pathway and certifications, allowing participants to gain valuable skills and credentials that pave the way for future success.
What are some of the biggest challenges that young adults who are out of school and out of work – and most at risk of becoming out of school, and out of work – face, and how does your organization address these challenges?
Young adults who are out of school and work face numerous obstacles, often compounded by systemic inequities that restrict their access to skills, experience, and career opportunities. At STRIVE, we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on through our comprehensive training programs, career counseling, and job placement services. We also offer tailored assistance to overcome additional obstacles like transportation, childcare, and multiple financial constraints. Our goal is to equip young adults with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to achieve equitable and sustainable career success.
A significant portion of our participants—more than one-third—are young adults aged 18-24, many of whom arrive at STRIVE with little or no income. Over 80% of our students are unemployed or rely on public assistance when they enroll, and 57% face housing insecurity. These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, and STRIVE is dedicated to providing the support and opportunities these young adults need to build a brighter future.
A key goal for STRIVE Future Leaders is to increase labor market participation and educational attainment for young people who have been impacted by involvement with the justice system to increase self-efficacy and civic engagement and reduce recidivism.
How do you measure the impact and success of your programs in improving the lives of young adults? And/or Which of your approaches to addressing the needs of young people (job seekers?) have been most effective?
At STRIVE, 80% of our students graduate from the program, with 76% achieving job placements and 70% retaining employment. We follow up with graduates a year after they complete the program through outreach calls and an open-door policy, and alumni engagement remains strong. Graduates return for mentoring, support, and networking. Our employment specialists and career coaches maintain lasting and impactful relationships with graduates and work closely with them to find the right opportunity at the right time.
Can you share a success story or notable achievement of a young person who benefited from your organization’s programs?
Kameron joined STRIVE Future Leaders in New York seeking job training to build independence and discipline. Despite facing significant barriers to employment, Kameron gained not only job readiness skills but also a new perspective on their life and future possibilities. One of the most valuable skills they gained was learning how to save money, even on a tight budget, to build a financial safety net.
After graduating, Kameron quickly secured an internship and was soon hired permanently in facilities maintenance at Columbia University. Inspired by their success, Kameron now plans to continue their education and dreams of opening their own business. This story showcases the transformative impact of STRIVE’s programs on young adults.
What’s on the New York City horizon?
We are excited about our expansion to Brooklyn! Through our partnerships with Brooklyn Communities Collaborative, Maimonides Medical Center, and The State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate, we have launched the pilot in Brooklyn. The STRIVE career readiness curriculum and occupational skills training are tailored to the healthcare industry. The first Brooklyn cohort graduated in July 2024 and the second cohort will begin in October 2024!
And, as a member of JobsFirstNYC’s Healthcare Sector Network (HSN), we celebrate the HSN’s inaugural Careers in Care Expo, delivered in partnership with top NYC healthcare employers including Montefiore, New York Presbyterian, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the 1199SEIU Employment & Training Fund, plus more. Entering our second year of implementation, together with the HSN, we are collaborating to drive innovation in healthcare workforce development that responds to evolving industry demand.
Ayesha George, Executive Director of STRIVE New York with Program Graduates
STRIVE New York provides pathways to life-changing careers and opportunities through comprehensive professional training, intensive personal support, and self-empowerment for those who face societal barriers to advancement.
STRIVE New York is a member of JobsFirstNYC’s Healthcare Sector Network – a partnership of workforce development agencies, community colleges, and healthcare systems that strengthens collaboration among nonprofits, colleges, and employers to improve skills training, leverage knowledge and resources, and increase access to high-quality, in-demand jobs in the healthcare industry.
5 Questions in a New York Minute with Executive Director of STRIVE New York, Ayesha George
Our blog series, 5 Questions in a New York Minute, highlights the work of JobsFirstNYC’s partners in New York City’s workforce. Through concise and insightful interviews, we aim to spotlight the unique experiences, strategies, and new approaches of a diverse group of individuals as they navigate and adapt to a rapidly evolving work landscape in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Join us for inspiring stories that shape the Big Apple!
Can you provide an overview of your organization’s mission and how it specifically supports young people who are out of school and out of work?
STRIVE’s mission is to provide a pathway to life-changing careers for people facing societal barriers to economic mobility, through comprehensive professional training, wraparound services, and lifetime support for graduates of our programs. STRIVE is committed to providing equitable access to quality employment and opportunities needed to advance, including lifetime access to STRIVE’s network and support system.
Our flagship program, Career Path, serves adults ages 18 and up, providing comprehensive career development opportunities. The Future Leaders program, launched in 2015, is tailored for justice-impacted young adults aged 18–24. The program emphasizes workforce training, career exploration, educational enrichment, and hands-on work experience to help participants build a successful future. and is delivered by staff trained in program services and positive youth development, creating a supportive environment for participants.
The Future Leaders program model is further enhanced with case management, mentoring, community service projects, and financial capability education. Completion time varies between 6 to 16 weeks, depending on the chosen career pathway and certifications, allowing participants to gain valuable skills and credentials that pave the way for future success.
What are some of the biggest challenges that young adults who are out of school and out of work – and most at risk of becoming out of school, and out of work – face, and how does your organization address these challenges?
Young adults who are out of school and work face numerous obstacles, often compounded by systemic inequities that restrict their access to skills, experience, and career opportunities. At STRIVE, we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on through our comprehensive training programs, career counseling, and job placement services. We also offer tailored assistance to overcome additional obstacles like transportation, childcare, and multiple financial constraints. Our goal is to equip young adults with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to achieve equitable and sustainable career success.
A significant portion of our participants—more than one-third—are young adults aged 18-24, many of whom arrive at STRIVE with little or no income. Over 80% of our students are unemployed or rely on public assistance when they enroll, and 57% face housing insecurity. These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, and STRIVE is dedicated to providing the support and opportunities these young adults need to build a brighter future.
A key goal for STRIVE Future Leaders is to increase labor market participation and educational attainment for young people who have been impacted by involvement with the justice system to increase self-efficacy and civic engagement and reduce recidivism.
How do you measure the impact and success of your programs in improving the lives of young adults? And/or Which of your approaches to addressing the needs of young people (job seekers?) have been most effective?
At STRIVE, 80% of our students graduate from the program, with 76% achieving job placements and 70% retaining employment. We follow up with graduates a year after they complete the program through outreach calls and an open-door policy, and alumni engagement remains strong. Graduates return for mentoring, support, and networking. Our employment specialists and career coaches maintain lasting and impactful relationships with graduates and work closely with them to find the right opportunity at the right time.
Can you share a success story or notable achievement of a young person who benefited from your organization’s programs?
Kameron joined STRIVE Future Leaders in New York seeking job training to build independence and discipline. Despite facing significant barriers to employment, Kameron gained not only job readiness skills but also a new perspective on their life and future possibilities. One of the most valuable skills they gained was learning how to save money, even on a tight budget, to build a financial safety net.
After graduating, Kameron quickly secured an internship and was soon hired permanently in facilities maintenance at Columbia University. Inspired by their success, Kameron now plans to continue their education and dreams of opening their own business. This story showcases the transformative impact of STRIVE’s programs on young adults.
What’s on the New York City horizon?
We are excited about our expansion to Brooklyn! Through our partnerships with Brooklyn Communities Collaborative, Maimonides Medical Center, and The State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate, we have launched the pilot in Brooklyn. The STRIVE career readiness curriculum and occupational skills training are tailored to the healthcare industry. The first Brooklyn cohort graduated in July 2024 and the second cohort will begin in October 2024!
And, as a member of JobsFirstNYC’s Healthcare Sector Network (HSN), we celebrate the HSN’s inaugural Careers in Care Expo, delivered in partnership with top NYC healthcare employers including Montefiore, New York Presbyterian, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the 1199SEIU Employment & Training Fund, plus more. Entering our second year of implementation, together with the HSN, we are collaborating to drive innovation in healthcare workforce development that responds to evolving industry demand.
Ayesha George, Executive Director of STRIVE New York with Program Graduates
STRIVE New York provides pathways to life-changing careers and opportunities through comprehensive professional training, intensive personal support, and self-empowerment for those who face societal barriers to advancement.
STRIVE New York is a member of JobsFirstNYC’s Healthcare Sector Network – a partnership of workforce development agencies, community colleges, and healthcare systems that strengthens collaboration among nonprofits, colleges, and employers to improve skills training, leverage knowledge and resources, and increase access to high-quality, in-demand jobs in the healthcare industry.
