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.
Explore our services:
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. in 2005, an immigrant from West Africa. Since she was little, she dreamed of becoming a registered nurse. To achieve her dreams, Balima enrolled in the BronxWorks EXCEL Program and is now working toward her GED. “Back in my country, I was going to school to be a doctor, but things got in the way and I had to come here,” Balima says.
When Balima first came to the U.S., she lived with an aunt and was enrolled in school but had to stop to find work. In 2021, Balima came to BronxWorks to enroll her sister in the GED/HSE prep program and she also ended up enrolling in the first 25+ cohort of the BronxWorks EXCEL program. Programs like this are important in preparing students for the GED exam, giving them practice and resources in math, reading, science, social studies, and writing so they have the highest chance of succeeding and passing.
Now a mother of three children and working at the same time, Balima must balance these increased demands while pursuing her GED.