The Challenge
When the LESEN first convened, perhaps nowhere in New York City were economic disparities as pronounced as in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, including Chinatown. The area’s approximately 160,000 residents lived among high-end restaurants, art galleries, and a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene, yet many in the community were struggling.
13%
of 18-24 year olds in the Lower East Side were out of school and out of work
14%
of 25-32 year olds in the Lower East Side were out of school and out of work
30%
of 18-24 year olds in the Lower East Side lived in poverty
Approach
In response to neighborhood rezoning and incoming hospitality development, the LESEN has brought together the resources of eight community agencies and the Manhattan Community Board 3 in the Lower East Side to maximize local residents’ access to good-quality jobs in high-demand industries. The LESEN works closely with the hospitality sector to design customized training programs and streamline recruiting processes for hotels and related businesses.
Impact
To date, the LESEN has achieved promising efficiencies which reflect the Network’s overall mission to collaboratively improve workforce development practices and reduce operational costs for employers and agencies, streamlining hiring processes while effectively connecting candidates to high-demand jobs.
$6.7M
Funds Raised & Leveraged
440
Employers Engaged
1374
New Hires
3:1
Interview to Hire Ratio
Our Partners
