Project Rise at KCC is approaching the end of our initial 4 year grant period. During that time over 180 disconnected young adults have come through our doors to receive preparation for the GED/TASC exam, important work readiness skills development, and extensive individualized support services. Our efforts have had a huge effect with over 50 participants receiving their high school equivalency and over 50 gaining long-term employment. Even more significant, so many of our students have gained confidence in themselves and their work to overcome obstacles that kept them from succeeding earlier in life.

As we move forward, KCC’s Project Rise received a challenge grant from the Center for Economic Opportunity/Social Innovation Fund to provide an additional year of funding for our program. Late last week we received a commitment from the Pinkerton Foundation for $100,000 and $2,500 from the Signature Bank Foundation towards reaching the challenge. These awards will allow us to continue providing our much-needed services to disconnected young adults who are eager to take control of their educational, professional and personal lives.

KCC’s Project Rise on WBAI 99.5FM, tomorrow December 10th!

CEWD sees so many amazing and ambitious students! Desi, a current NRC CHW student also hosts a show on WBAI 99.5FM: Women in the Making: Tomorrow’s History Today, which “highlights the views, perspectives, questions, goals and accomplishments of today’s girl.” Desi has taken a special interest in KCC’s Project Rise and has interviewed the program’s associate director, Dina LiMandri and two Project Rise students. The segment will air tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10th at 2pm. Tune in to find out how the lives of these young women have changed, in part, thanks to the work of Project Rise and Kingsborough Community College.

For more information, you can also visit the event’s page on facebook.