Gabriela Meschino with Territory NFP

SUMMARY

Gabriela worked as a Workforce Program Fellow with Territory NFP. Territory is a youth-led, place-based design studio where young people build better futures for themselves and their communities through the hands-on practice of design. At Territory, Gabriela conducted research to support funding and programming and contributed to the development of a workforce program.

OVERVIEW

• Assisted in reviewing all of Territory’s programs, including introductory and advanced studios for high school students, as well as the TIDE program.

• Conducted an assessment of the 2024 TIDE internship, including interviews with interns and host firms to evaluate program satisfaction.

• Interviewed current and prospective stakeholders, including partner firms interested in hosting interns, clients hiring Territory for design services, and youth in the relevant age group.

• Drafted a business plan for a nonprofit community design studio workforce program.

• Researched funding opportunities and contributed to securing funding.

IMPACT

6-8 in 2024 and 8-12 per year in subsequent years.

Grace Noack with Can Play

SUMMARY

Grace worked as an Accessibility Initiatives Fellow with Can Play. She supported Can Play’s mission to bring adapted and no-cost recreational programs to communities by removing barriers to play. Grace conducted research on current initiatives and supported the implementation of significant changes to further enhance program accessibility for the larger community.

OVERVIEW

• Conducted a thorough accessibility analysis of current programs.

• Identified areas for improvement and began implementing changes.

• Collaborated with staff to ensure the sustainability of changes.

• Spearheaded research and selection of translation services to better reach non-English-speaking community members.

• Developed community partnerships.

IMPACT

1,500 youth from traditionally marginalized backgrounds.

Sophia Lorenzo with Governor's Committee on Scholastic Achievement

SUMMARY

Sophia worked as a Program Fellow with the Governor's Committee on Scholastic Achievement (GCSA). She supported GCSA’s mission to mentor and grant scholarships to degree-aspiring, underserved New York City students who navigate systemic barriers to educational success. At GCSA, she helped develop resources that the organization could continue to use beyond her fellowship and supported students in post-high school initiatives.

OVERVIEW

• Became familiar with GCSA students and programs to generate informed recommendations.

• Updated the scope and sequence for the 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade curriculum.

• Developed lesson plans for the first five sessions for each participating grade.

• Conducted research, administered surveys, and gathered narrative feedback from students.

• Supported social media initiatives, including the #SponsorAScholar campaign.

IMPACT

60+ students through direct service over three months.

Fousani Hamidou with South Bronx United

SUMMARY

Fousani worked as a Workforce Development Fellow with South Bronx United. There, he contributed to SBU’s mission of educational equity for students in the South Bronx by supporting the planning and facilitation of student engagement initiatives within the Workforce Development program and serving as a job/internship coordinator. Additionally, he supported the college preparation initiative for high school seniors at SBU.

OVERVIEW

• Compiled a list of sustainable partnerships for job placements in fields relevant to current Workforce Development (WFD) tracks.

• Ensured that all partners have Salesforce accounts detailing job opportunities, responsibilities, pay, and other relevant job information for effective placement.

• Supported the development of cohort soft skills for interviews, résumés, and cover letters.

IMPACT

Collaborated to achieve 100% job placement for the Winter 2024 WFD cohort.

Taylah Castle with Greenhouse Arts Center

SUMMARY

Taylah Castle worked as a Program Fellow with Greenhouse Arts Center, whose mission is to be a welcoming place of hope where creativity thrives. The organization uses dance and other art forms as a vehicle for the community to grow together, make a difference locally, embrace all cultures, and raise future leaders. At Greenhouse, Taylah provided support in developing initiatives and protocols for applying to grants, as well as in day-to-day programming.

OVERVIEW

• Gained a strong sense of the community and a deep understanding of the needs and desires of the Greenhouse family.

• Researched grants and foundations and supported the application process for grant opportunities.

• Curated social media content to promote programs and events.

• Supported programming by teaching a weekly hip-hop dance class.

IMPACT

180+ students through direct work over three months.