Youth Mentoring and Teen Programs Help Children Explore Interests and Prepare for Academic Success

The Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) continues to provide teenage children of 1199SEIU members with work and learning opportunities to boost their professional development skills.

In 2024, 177 teens were selected to participate in the YMP. The program offers a six-week summer employment opportunity at participating nursing home facilities and healthcare institutions across New York City. Interns build educational and on-the-job competencies throughout the program, helping to prepare them for careers in healthcare and beyond.

In 2024, interns completed projects on health-related topics and presented them at the YMP closing ceremony, held at the end of the summer. The 2024 intern projects focused on their institution’s educational approach to community health and wellness.

SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS TEST PREP

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) Prep Program prepares seventh- and eighth-grade students for the admissions test for entry into one of New York City’s nine specialized high schools. Program participants attended admissions workshops, worked through practice materials and learned test-taking strategies to strengthen their skill sets in specialized interest areas as they geared up for the test in November 2024.

New in 2025, the program will offer its Family University. The Family University is a series of enrichment workshops specifically designed to enhance the student experience by offering targeted learning opportunities that include goal setting and student/life balance.

SAT PREP PROGRAM

In 2024, 218 students took advantage of the SAT Prep Program. This 13-week program was held virtually on Saturdays. Students gained access to content and instruction, as well as a series of specialized workshops covering topics such as “College Essay Writing,” “The Common Application” and “Test-taking Anxiety.” Students also gained in-depth insights into the college admissions process.

New for 2025, SAT Prep will also offer Family University, which focuses on high school success and college and career readiness.

HIGHLIGHTS

Overall, practice test composite scores improved by an average of 70 points. The highest overall practice score reported in 2024 was 1520, with a perfect math score!