What do CITI Bank, Colgate-Palmolive, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Saatchi & Saatchi, and 83 other organizations have in common? All contributed to the long-term success of New York's youth by hiring teen interns through the amazing Futures and Options program this past year.
Futures and Options empowers NYC's underserved youth through career development, paid internships with real training and responsibilities, and mentoring and academic support, thereby encouraging teens to reach higher and achieve the dreams more privileged youth take for granted: professional employment, a college education, and a meaningful career.
Since 1995, Futures and Options has served almost 2,000 students from the poorest neighborhoods in New York. With 100% high school graduation and 94% college acceptance in 2010, it's clear that the program makes a huge difference in these students' lives. The program also encourages its graduates to keep in touch and helps those who get in to college to follow through and finish.
Futures and Options has recently expanded its staff to better serve students in its programs as well as offer more youth the opportunity to be interns. It's a fairly selective program; only 175 students will participate this year and most participants are recommended by their school counselors, with some students applying on their own.
Recently hired Senior Program Director Tonya Gayle describes the kind of students who choose Futures and Options as "the go-getters, tapping into whatever we can offer to help them." Executive Director Patty Machir adds that the essence of the service is their "ability to introduce kids who wouldn't have a chance to experience professional work environments ... to help them learn about the importance of furthering their education, and to open their minds about what's possible for their future careers."
For businesses, Futures and Options offers a "pipeline of diverse talent ... at an age where their experience impacts their choices," says Machir. "Our program works because of the strong collaborative relationship with schools and the business community, who understand the importance of an educated workforce ... and are eager and ready to contribute."
It's truly an inspiring organization, bringing students and businesses together in mutual support of this city's potential.
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