For nearly 20 years, Learning to Work (LTW) programs city-wide have helped at-risk youth earn a high school diploma, develop work skills while earning a paycheck, and receive individualized support that keeps them focused, motivated and feeling a sense of belonging.
In 142 days (June 30, 2024), 72% of the funding disappears, threatening LTW at Concord, McKee and Tottenville high schools with elimination.
Mayor Adams’ budget cuts have community-based organizations, and the 16,000 young people we serve, once again hats in hand and “singing for supper.”
The city is not sharing any plans for what happens next as federal stimulus money sunsets, yet the mayor just introduced a $640 million initiative for “workforce” — including brand new programs. LTW is not even mentioned!
While many programs are in jeopardy, no cut is more severe than the one this network is about to endure.
Everyone should be asking the simple question: What is being done to avoid this travesty?
(Michael De Vito, Jr. is executive director of the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, Inc.)
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply