Youth Workforce Programs

BronxWorks Workforce Development is proud to offer a number of different job-readiness and training programs focused on youth, including GED prep classes. Starting a career is difficult at a young age; BronxWorks provides these services to make the adjustment to working life seamless.

EXCEL Program

The BronxWorks EXCEL program offers career training that exposes youth ages 18-24 to a variety of employment options so that they can choose the area that most interests them.

In addition, our services prepare young adults for the world of work, helping them to create resumes, prepare for job interviews, gain computer skills, and learn how to manage money.

For those who did not graduate high school, EXCEL has daily GED prep classes that combine group and individual instruction to prepare participants to obtain their high school equivalency diploma.

Participants must reside in the Bronx. Please contact us so we can best serve you!

If you are 25 or older, we have limited opportunities available. Please contact us today.

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) connects New York City youth ages 14-24 years old with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience for six (6) weeks each summer from July to August.

At BronxWorks, the SYEP program comprises three components: Career Ready (School-based SYEP), Career First (NYCHA-based SYEP), and Community (which is lottery-based).

Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center

1130 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10456

2nd Floor

Contact:
ShaQuanna Cody-McGrew,
Program Director
SYEP@bronxworks.org

Phone:
718.508.3180

Click for map and directions

Older youth participants ages 16-24 are assigned to worksites, including BronxWorks programs, and local businesses & organizations, such as New York Urban League, Summatime Studios, Ashley Stewart, and Eddington Security.

Younger youth ages 14-15 years are placed in project-based learning groups of 25-40 participants. The groups decide on a theme, such as civic advocacy, social justice, or environmental issues. The groups develop projects throughout the summer, giving young people an opportunity to learn, create, and express themselves on topics that they choose and are passionate about.

Work, Learn, & Grow Employment Program

The Work, Learn & Grow Employment Program (WLG) is a New York City Council-funded initiative designed to build off the experiences gained in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). WLG provides enrolled participants of SYEP ages 16-21 and currently in school with career readiness training and paid employment opportunities for up to twenty-five weeks (25) from October to March.

Balima R., BronxWorks EXCEL Participant

Balima came to the U.S. from West Africa in 2005 and dreamt of becoming a nurse. Now a mother of three children and working at the same time, Balima must balance these increased demands while pursuing her GED with the BronxWorks EXCEL Program.

Watch Balima’s Story:

Community Impact

In 2023, BronxWorks enrolled 595 people ages 18 & up in GED test preparation classes.