(New York, N.Y.) – Caps off! Graduates of the New York City Mission Society’s Learning to Work Program gathered across the City last month for their commencement ceremonies.
The nonprofit’s Learning to Work program assists older, under-credited high school students by preparing them for success in college and the work world. Key elements of the program include student support and tutoring, college guidance and preparation, workforce development, and supported internships.
The Mission Society serves approximately 1,000 students across five Learning to Work programs throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
“Our Learning to Work program gives under-credited high school students a second chance at success,” said New York City Mission Society President Elsie McCabe Thompson. “As a result of their dedication and hard work throughout this program, students are better prepared for life after graduation – whether that’s in the classroom, or on the job.”
During June, more than 200 Learning to Work students graduated with their high school degrees, including 38 from Bronx Community High School where Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered the Keynote Address.
“It doesn’t matter where you start. It matters where you finish,” said Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “There’s so much that still needs to be done. The question is: what are you going to do about it? It’s not just about achieving and receiving a special title. It’s about what you do with it.”
Also, over 100 students from Washington Irving Young Adult Borough Center had their own graduation ceremony where former Governor David Paterson delivered the Keynote Address.
“There is always another opportunity, another chance. Those of you who are graduating took that opportunity, took that chance and believed in yourself,” said former Governor David Paterson. “You went back to school and here you are getting you high school diploma.”
To learn more about the programs offered by the Mission Society, please visit:
https://www.nycmissionsociety.org/howwe-help/programs/.