Red Hook Initiative, Inc.

Geographic areas served: Red Hook, Brooklyn

Programs: High school programs (ages 15-18): when members reach 9th grade they become youth leaders (yl) at rhi. This is a 4-year program focused on employment and leadership. Yls not only focus on their own goals and personal development, they are also employees at rhi and receive training to provide programs and services to their peers. Each yl works close to 10 hours per week in training or carrying out their role; with some time spent on tutoring and academic support. Exposure to opportunities in college and careers, as well as developing life skills, are important program components during these years at rhi. Every 11th and 12th grade student has a weekly post-secondary planning group in addition to their work as a yl. From july 2016 to june 2017, the high school program served nearly 100 students from the red hook community who reached hundreds of their peer and neighbors. Young adult programs (ages 19-24): rhi served nearly 200 young adults through small group and individual services between july 2016 and june 2017. Formal programs and groups include: hse classes, college scholars program (for students planning to apply to college or working toward a two or four year degree), work progress program (8-12 week placement in paid job-training program), and a professional development training program (3 week program teaching basics in job readiness and professional development). Individual services include: coaching, benefits screening, clinical counseling, legal referrals and housing referrals. Wifi/technology programs: rhis digital stewards are young adults enrolled in a paid, 8-month training program through which they maintain and promote red hook wifi (a free wireless network that rhi created to serve as a community resource and job board), coordinate tech-related projects and events, and gain tech skills and knowledge. In 2016-17, 92% of digital stewards agreed or strongly agreed that they learned skills that allow them to succeed in the workplace and gave them an opportunity to make a difference in their neighborhood. 77% of digital stewards remained employed or actively pursuing further education within 6 months of completing the program. In program year 2017, red hook wifi expanded, recruiting 38 local business partners on commercial streets in red hook who will host local hot spots.