New York Needs You

New York Needs You, now America Needs You - New York, is the New York operating branch of America Needs You, an American education, leadership and career-development non-profit organization based in New York City at 589 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018 whose mission focuses on improving economic mobility for low-income first-generation freshman college students within CUNY schools.

History

New York Needs You was founded in 2009 by Robert Reffkin. As an appointee by Mayor Bloomberg on the NYC Workforce Investment Board and the NYC Board of Education, Robert saw the need for mentorship and career preparation for low-income students, particularly those who are the first in their family to go to college. Robert faced several challenges in his youth, but was aided by nonprofit organizations that helped him achieve college and career success. He founded NYNY at the age of 29 to mobilize a movement of young professional volunteers to assist low-income, first-generation college students in realizing their college and career ambitions. America Needs You was launched in January 2014 and is the umbrella organization for New York Needs You and New Jersey Needs You.

Leadership

Kimberly Harris is the current CEO of America Needs You (NYNY and NJNY). She was previously a founding member and secretary of the New York Needs You Governing Board. PJ Kim is the former CEO of New York Needs You. The organization has a staff of 16 full-time employees in both programs with Programs, Development and Finance and Operations teams. Both, NYNY and NJNY have governing boards and young leadership boards.

Program

Fellows Program

The Fellows Program is an intensive program for high-achieving, low-income, first-generation college students. The Two-year program offers students (Fellows) career development workshops, access to internships, and professional development grants. All Fellows are matched one-on-one with a successful and motivated professional “Mentor Coach” dedicated to their personal and professional growth. Mentor Coaches and Fellows work together to cultivate the Fellows’ strengths and interests, and direct them into successful careers.

Fellows attend 28 full-day workshops over two years, receiving intense career development and leadership training. Workshops cover topics such as resumes, cover letters, interviewing, public speaking, and relationship management. All workshops take place on Saturdays and typically run from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Career Development Program

America Needs You envisions a future where career exploration is an integral and valued part of the American college experience. By deploying teams of our volunteers on college campuses, we can reach more students with career-focused education and exposure.

The Career Development Program (CDP) is a free career exploration seminar series run on the campuses of our community college partners. CDP demystifies industries and connects a broad base of students with working professionals. Our seminars feature industry overviews, internship advice and networking. Seminars are open to all students and, whenever possible, integrated into existing campus programs and academic curricula to assist students in making informed choices about majors and transfer schools. This program has been running at partner community colleges since October 2012.