Teen Programs

Our middle school and high school Neighborhood Development Area Programs work year-round with students 13 to 17 years of age to ensure a smooth transition from early to late adolescence and to create a safe space for them to explore their interests. The programs operate after school and during the summer, offering:

• Community service opportunities
• Homework assistance and tutoring
• Leadership development
• Literacy and STEM enrichment
• Structured recreation
• Work readiness training

As a Summer Youth Employment Program provider, BronxWorks places 650 youth, ages 14 to 21, in summer employment for six weeks. This program offers youth a unique introduction into the workforce through structured placements and supportive staff. Work applications are available from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

Our Teen Action Programs offer youth exciting and challenging opportunities to develop their communication and leadership skills through service learning and youth-led discussion. Teens also partake in health workshops that empower them to make smart, healthy decisions.

Our program at Frederick Douglass Academy III is designed to assist students with achieving their academic and career goals. We work closely with students applying to college, including their college applications/essays, scholarship applications, and financial aid applications. We also provide work readiness workshops focused on career exploration. Our goal is to assist all of our students in obtaining a diploma and a positive outcome, whether that’s college attendance, long-term employment, an apprenticeship, occupational training, or joining the military.

BronxWorks is an equal opportunity employer/program.

Auxiliary aids and services (TDD/TTY) are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Call 800.662.1220.

• Assistance with Financial Aid and NY Tap Application
• Individual college counseling
• Scholarship search help
• Visits to colleges and college fairs
• Workshops on all aspects of the college application process (including financial aid)
• SAT Prep for high school juniors
• Trade school application assistance

BronxWorks staff also work diligently to ensure that our youth are ready for college beyond matriculation through various supports while enrolled in school. Interested high school and/or HSE students can stop by the CAFÉ Program Office Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (preferably by appointment). Virtual meetings are also available Monday through Friday via Zoom.

The Jill Chaifetz Transfer School is a public high school designed for older students aged 16 to 21 who have fallen behind academically. Young adults work with dedicated staff to create individual academic plans that put them back on track to graduate with a traditional high school diploma. Students also receive Regents prep, job readiness training, college placement assistance, and the opportunity to participate in paid internships.

The school was founded through a partnership with BronxWorks, the Department of Education, and New Visions for Public Schools. BronxWorks provides academic support and social services to ensure that students succeed in school and are prepared for life after graduation.

The BronxWorks SONYC after-school program at South Bronx Preparatory Middle School is designed to provide a safe and engaging place for participants to interact after school hours. We serve approximately 100 participants from grades 6 to 8, with a student-to-staff ratio of 15:1.

We enhance academics by offering tutoring assistance from teachers licensed by the Department of Education and STEM activities such as robotics and gardening. All our counselors are trained to facilitate literacy activities, which include creative writing, poetry, music history, criminal justice, theater, and journaling.

We also offer a variety of extracurricular activities such as culinary arts, arts & crafts, dance, fitness, game club, our Youth Council, community service, and our boys’ basketball team, the BronxWorks Warriors.