WHAT WE DO
Youth Services
Youth experiencing the toxic stress of homelessness and poverty need extra academic enrichment and support to master key skills, stay focused on academic success, graduate high school, develop college and career plans, and navigate their path out of poverty. We know that when children who are unhoused or living in poverty are exposed to high-quality academic enrichment and summer programs they can achieve long-term academic and career success. This intervention gives them the greatest chance to break out of the cycle of poverty.
The future prosperity of any society depends on its ability to foster the health and well-being of the next generation.
When a society invests wisely in children, the next generation will pay back through a lifetime of productivity and responsible citizenship.
LUW provides a variety of educational enrichment programs for 450 homeless and at-risk youth each year to ensure that they are the first in their families to go to college and the last to live in poverty. Our Next-Generation programs provide a continuum of academic and social support to children from age 5 through young adulthood.
Academic Enrichment & Mentoring Program
Academic Enrichment is provided to high school students experiencing homelessness or living in extreme poverty to ensure they graduate high school and have the opportunity to attend college or other formal training to develop a marketable skill. Our tutors work with students to strengthen their learning skills, build a foundation for academic success, and plant seeds to inspire students to see themselves on a path to college and career. Students receive tutoring in all subjects including STEM. We also introduce math, science, and technology careers to students who may not have any other exposure to these career options. We help prepare students for college by counseling on college choices, applications, financial aid, as well as addressing other needs the students may have to successfully apply for college. For students who are not college bound, we work with them to obtain certifications and licenses that will secure living wage employment when they graduate.
Perhaps most importantly, our tutors serve as mentors. They provide ongoing encouragement, emotional, and social support to our students in their personal and academic growth.
Kidzlit Literacy Program:
Kidzlit provides literacy, homework help, and learning skills for elementary and middle school students experiencing homelessness and living in the Coachman Family Shelter. The goal is to increase their reading ability to grade level and beyond, as well as to build their learning skills. This work continues throughout the year, even at summer camp. We want to make sure that the kids don’t lose momentum in the months they’re not in school.
College & Career Success and Scholarships
Lifting Up Westchester provides 10-12 partial scholarships to students in need annually. Our College and Career Success programs support 80 to 100 high school graduates succeed while in college or establish themselves on a career path with a living wage. Many students are the first in their family to attend college, or their families are often not in a position to offer the support they need. Our College Success Coaches help the students navigate challenges while building their skills and a foundation for handling challenges in the future. Our Job Central Career Specialists help high school graduates who are not college or vocational training bound find employment.
Thank you BlackRock for helping to make college dreams come true and fostering a path to success.
Summer Camp
Summer Camp provides a recreational and academically enriching camp experience for children who are homeless or living in poverty who might otherwise spend their summers with no activities. The camp also prevents these children from losing any academic ground over the summer through a variety of reading and math activities that are actually fun.