Cypress Hills Local Development Corp., Inc.

We operate an array of different workforce development and adult education programs in the community. Our Career and Education Programs include: the CHAMPION Network, COACH, Building Works, SYEP, and YouthLEAD.

The CHAMPION Network is an employment program focused on the transportation, culinary, and office technology sectors, which was developed in partnership with employers in these fields. The CHAMPION Network serving primarily young adults ages 18-30.

Programming begins with an intensive 10-day group process of initiation and work readiness training. The second part of the training focuses on technical and occupational skills needed for the sector of choice. We offer Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class C training for all interested program participants. In the culinary sector we offer the ServSafe ® food handlers credential and the ServSafe ® Managers credential. In the office technology sector we offer the Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Word.

Upon completion of the training, participants become members of the CHAMPION Network and are matched with available job opportunities from our employer partners. We help match participants to jobs based on their skill level, and as they increase their skill level we facilitate their advancement to jobs in which they can earn more. Since our employers help us design our program, we can guarantee that our young people are trained for the positions employers need, and that they will have opportunities for advancement within one year. At a minimum, network individual and group activities continue for one year after their initial credential and placement.

COACH is a paid internship program to help young adults ages 17 to 24 enter the workforce. Through COACH, young adults who have been disconnected from work and school for at least three months receive three weeks of job training and are placed in an 11-week paid internship where they gain skills and experience so they can move on to paid employment. Participants set educational and employment goals and work with staff to achieve them.

Building Works is an intensive 17-week pre-apprenticeship program preparing participants for work in the construction trades. Program graduates are eligible to apply for union jobs. Certifications offered include OSHA 10 Construction Safety, 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Worker, CPR, Scaffold, and others.

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides New York City youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with paid summer employment for up to six weeks in July and August. CHLDC hosts an SYEP program along with organizations in all five boroughs of New York City.

The YouthLEAD High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) Program provides adults with instruction to prepare for the High School Equivalency exam (formerly GED prep). In In addition to academic support, participants work with CHLDC Youth Advocates to plan and reach personal education and employment goals. Classes are offered in the evening to accommodate working participants and include preparing for the HSE exam, and workshops in Career Foundations and Life Skills. We encourage our participants to plan both short and long-term goals, such as going to college and/or advancing in their career of choice.