Summer may be ending, but Youth Action YouthBuild is eternal. Below, we reflect on our staff, the fate of vocational training in NYC, community events, and our 40th anniversary celebration.
Spotlight: Michael Parker
For many years, YAYB supporters couldn’t think of the organization without thinking of Mike Parker. After graduating from the program himself in 2003, he returned to YAYB to serve his
community. He outperformed as our Dean of Students, motivating our cohorts every morning with positive messages in our regular Morning Circle. His bold personality, natural leadership, and commitment to improving his community spread beyond YAYB. Earlier this year, he began gathering East Harlem members and stakeholders for bi-weekly forum meetings so that they could discuss the issues they saw in their neighborhoods and collaborate on efforts to improve them. Leaders from subsidized housing shook hands with nonprofit staff. Teens had real talk with local police officers. The forums were — and still are — a force to be reckoned with.
Recently, Mike has transitioned into a new role at long-time YAYB partner Union Settlement. While his YouthBuild family will miss him, we know he hasn’t gone too far and that his dedication to improving his larger community stands unwavering.
Feature: Amazon may be gone, but the need for vocational training isn’t.
Whether for it, against it, or just watching and waiting, every New Yorker was keeping track of the Amazon HQ2 deal with the City. For months, the corporation was working with the Long Island City community about the programs they would initiate in return for the tax incentives they would receive, including thousands of jobs and technical training for young people and other vulnerable populations. It isn’t news that Amazon decided to pull out of its deal with New York City and State earlier this year, and while many are wondering what to do in the wake of decision, one thing became clear – New Yorkers are ready for jobs and training opportunities in emerging industries.
New York State seems to be listening, too. The recently launched Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) aims to support job preparation, training, and retention programs throughout the State, dedicating $175 million to programs that provide development opportunities. Nonprofit organizations that provide vocational training in NYC to youth (like YAYB) are just as eligible to participate as companies wanting to upgrade their employees’ skills. Some of our staff got to meet with representatives from the WDI’s office. At the meeting, the reps were optimistic about the initiative’s potential impact and encouraged YAYB to apply. This is in part because of their shared belief in workforce development. But it also shows New Yorkers’ desires to receive vocational training, which in turn makes sure that more funding goes toward the WDI and similar opportunities.
Save the Date!
August 21st: YAYB Networking Mixer
Network with other professionals in the City and learn more about our org and mission. There will be free food, drinks, and exclusive YAYB swag. RSVP here to attend, and check us out on Facebook.
October 17th: Night in East Harlem
We’re continuing our 40th year celebration with a semi-formal in the fall. Tickets will be on sale soon, so check back here often!
[Updated August 19, 2019.]