Alliance will build long-term recruitment pipelines for employers and prepare students to generate inclusive economic growth across the borough
NEW YORK — Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and HERE to HERE Chair Judy Dimon joined students, employers, and Bronx community members today at the Bronx Zoo to celebrate the launch of the Bronx Private Industry Council (PIC), an employer-led, student-centered alliance transforming how businesses, schools, and community organizations develop talent pipelines in the borough. Founded by HERE to HERE in partnership with the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and a diverse group of local employers and institutions, the PIC connects Bronx employers with the talent they need to achieve their long-term business goals, creates internships and work-based learning opportunities for Bronx students, and helps to build a bright economic future for the borough.
“The Bronx PIC is more than just a coalition of employers or program for students; it is a holistic economic strategy for students, businesses, and the borough,” said Dr. Eddie Summers, Executive Director of the Bronx PIC. “Our members truly are betting on the future of the Bronx. We are excited to work with all of them to grow the PIC and invest in talent and businesses right here in the borough.”
The PIC brings Bronx businesses of all sizes together to develop inclusive recruitment pipelines that benefit employers, young people, and the borough’s economy. With 22 members and counting, the PIC’s ranks include Montefiore Medical Center, the Wildlife Conservation Society, FreshDirect, Associated Supermarkets, and many more.
The PIC launch was part of Bronx Week, an annual series of events celebrating the best of the borough, and organized by HERE to HERE. Dr. Summers hosted the event and Judy Dimon offered welcoming remarks. John Calvelli of the Wildlife Conservation Society moderated a panel featuring Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., executive vice president of Silvercup Studios Gary Kesner, and University Heights High School student Shamil Santos. New York State Assemblymember Marcos A. Crespo joined via videoconference to congratulate the PIC and celebrate the $50,000 in funding he secured in the New York State budget to power the PIC’s summer intern cohort in its inaugural year.
“The Bronx PIC connects our local businesses with the best new talent this borough has to offer, and I am proud to have helped to found this wonderful new initiative,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “We are setting these students up for success and cultivating important connections within all of the local stakeholders participating in this program. Thank you to HERE to HERE for organizing such an incredible tool to promote economic growth and youth employment training in The Bronx.”
“I am truly enthusiastic for the launch of the Bronx PIC, and thrilled to stand alongside Speaker Carl E. Heastie as funding from New York State was secured to launch the first cohort of student participants,” said Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo. “The professional opportunities in my life began with an internship in Albany, which was enhanced by the mentorship, guidance and vision of my employer, then-Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. Ruben not only guided my career growth, but also assisted in developing a pipeline that led me to eventually seek elected office. My experience will surely be replicated by the Bronx PIC for hundreds of Bronx youth who just need that first door to open, along with employers who are committed to helping them grow while also developing the workforce of the future. This is what can only be described as a true win for all.”
In its summer 2018 pilot, the Bronx PIC Task Force hosted 257 student interns for six-week internships, 175 of whom were a part of HERE to HERE’s high school network population of roughly 3,500 students. A report compiled after the pilot found that the program brought value to both employers and students: 100% of employer participants would hire an intern again through the program and 100% would recommend the program to a colleague. Additionally, 100% of interns said their internship offered them the opportunity to build a network that included professional adults.
“The Bronx PIC is an exciting opportunity for businesses to invest in their own future and the future of the borough,” said Abby Jo Sigal, CEO of HERE to HERE. “We are extremely grateful to the Bronx Borough President, Assemblymember Crespo, all of our employer partners, and of course our incredibly talented young people for their commitment to our shared mission.”
The Bronx PIC is currently accepting new employer members for its inaugural year. To learn more about PIC membership, please contact BronxPIC@heretohere.org.
About the Bronx Private Industry Council (PIC)
The Bronx Private Industry Council (Bronx PIC) is an employer-led alliance transforming how businesses, schools, and community organizations develop talent pipelines in the Bronx. The Bronx PIC connects Bronx employers with the talent they need to achieve their long-term business goals, creates internships and work-based learning opportunities for Bronx students, and helps to build a bright economic future for the borough. Founded by HERE to HERE in partnership with the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and a diverse group of local employers and institutions, the Bronx PIC is committed to supporting the evolving needs of Bronx businesses and partnering to prepare Bronx students to generate inclusive economic growth across the borough.
About HERE to HERE
HERE to HERE is a Bronx-based nonprofit that unites employers, educators, and community-based organizations to connect young people to family-sustaining careers and create a thriving, inclusive economy. HERE to HERE supports people and institutions already developing career pathways and breaks down barriers between them. HERE to HERE creates and identifies partnerships, resources for new programs and policies that help employers identify the talent they need to thrive and ensure every student can develop the passion, experience, and professional network needed to succeed in a career of their choice.