Michelle Mullen

The Riverdale Neighborhood House, or RNH, received a $70,000 grant for initiatives that help Bronx high schoolers overcome barriers to higher education and post-graduate success.

The funding, secured by State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, will bolster the nonprofit’s academic and workforce development programs: College Directions and the Youth Internship Program. Both are offered at no cost and have become essential pathways for teens navigating college applications, financial aid and career exploration.

Under the direction of postsecondary program manager Omar Acevedo, College Directions pairs each student with mentors to map out academic goals and financial options. Participants receive SAT prep, essay support and guidance on applying for scholarships — among a long list of other services.

The program also hosts campus visits and workshops with college directions alumni who share firsthand experiences about adjusting to college life.

 “We want them to see that higher education isn’t out of reach,” Acevedo said.

Ninety-eight percent of participants go on to college, trade school or full-time employment, far higher than the roughly 64 percent of high school graduates going on tocollege nationwide.

 “Some students we work with are first-generation college-goers, and many come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds,” Acevedo said. “When they see someone who’s been there and made it through, it gives them confidence to take that next step, even if it’s outside their comfort zone.”

The Youth Internship Program, meanwhile, places students in paid positions across the Bronx in fields such as health care, education, communication and business. 

Each placement is matched to a student’s interest and skill level. Interns work up to 10 hours a week during the school year and attend weekly workshops focused on professional development, covering topics like résumé writing, workplace etiquette and time management. 

Midway through the year, each participant completes a reflection project tying their experience to future goals.

“The program helps young people earn money, build confidence, and gain clarity about their futures,” Acevedo said. “But most importantly, it gives them a network of people who believe in them and want to see them succeed.”

The initiative’s reach continues to grow. What began with fewer than 100 applicants drew more than 500 this year — a sign of how scarce such opportunities remain across the city, Acevedo noted. RNH hopes to expand the program further, but each additional internship slot at places like Montefiore Hospital costs about $2,000 to fund.

Rivera told The Press he was drawn to support RNH because of the program’s wide-reaching impact.

“It’s not just for one thing,” he said. “It’s supporting a whole crew of young people who will then be placed in all sorts of places.”

He called it “a great investment in public involvement,” that connects teens with opportunities not readily available to many.

“These kids are getting experiences they wouldn’t have had in any other situation,” he said. “That’s what makes this investment so worthwhile.”

Keywords

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