New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID) is a contractor with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and provides educational and occupational training to Out-of-School Youth (OSY) under the Workforce Investment Act. NYCID’s OSY program, ACE (Achievement in Career and Education) affords young people aged 17-21 the opportunity to earn their GED and obtain occupational training. ACE staff collaborates with the Office Continuing Education and Professional Development at the College of Staten Island to offer these services. In addition, participants receive work readiness training and higher education preparation in order to ensure their success after completing the ACE Program. GED students attend class on campus at CSI while receiving intensive case management and counseling services from NYCID staff.

In addition, youth who have graduated high school but are not in college or working may participate in our program. This program is designed to offer a short term work experience and build upon our students’ skills and abilities. Participants registered for our internship program are eligible to complete the National Retail Federation’s Customer Service Credential which will strengthen their skills in high demand customer service fields.

All participants receive one year of follow-up services upon completion of program services.

Eligibility requirements apply to all participants including:

• Out of school: Drop out or graduate with documentation
• Out of work: Not working or working part-time/minimum wage
• Low income: Based on government levels of income
• New York State resident legally able to work in the USA
• Facing a barrier to employment or education - basic skills deficient, pregnant or parenting, disability, youth offender

ACE Stats

For registered participants from 7/1/06 - 6/30/09

• 72% of our students have attained their GED - this is 100% of the students who took the test.

For registered participants from 7/1/09 - present (40) with a max enrollment of 60

• 10 have already attained their GED; the rest are still attending class.
• 50% have begun paid internships
• 15 students are enrolled in CNA class
• 10 are beginning Hospitality training (will bring enrollment to 50)

Employment

• 52% of program participants are working
• 25% are enrolled in college
• 3% are in the military (Army and Navy)
• 78% of participants are actively involved in school or work

The remaining % includes students awaiting test results and students still in GED class.

Schools Include: College of Staten Island (CSI); Hostos Community College; American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service; Sanford-Brown Institute; Apex Technical School; and Paul Mitchell Institute.

Employers Include: Pratt Industries; Best Buy; Planet Fitness; LA Fitness; ShopRite; Pathmark; and Verizon.

Internship Sites Include: Wagner College; Allstate; Staten Island Youth Court; Everything Goes Book Cafe; WineLife; Heath Tax; Hilton Garden Inn; and Hampton Inn and Suites.