PROGRAMS

Summer Leadership Program

The Summer Leadership Program provides enriching and safe alternatives to the hot summer streets when school is out. In addition to providing a fun, positive environment, the Summer Leadership Program activities help members gain skills for the workforce and learn through international study.

International Study Program--Our International Study Program is a natural continuation of our emphasis on leadership development, Pan-African and Latino history and culture, and global awareness. It is a year-long program with an intensive four-week study program conducted in Africa and Latin America. Our members expand their horizons, develop leadership skills, and gain new and complex perspectives. Language classes, research projects, exploring cultural sites, completing service projects, and visiting NGOs and schools are some of the activities members have experienced in Morocco, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt, Ghana, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Brasil.

Prior to the trip, participants fundraise to help offset program fees and participate in regular planning meetings, as well as attending a week-long orientation. While overseas, participants begin to learn the language of the country they are visiting, meet with representatives in government, business, education, and community development, and have extended stays in rural villages or small towns. They also plan and facilitate seminars, undertake extensive research and make public presentations

Summer Day Camp--For four or five weeks after the school year ends, Summer Day Cap gives our youngest members a place to go to have fun and grow in a nurturing environment. Members ages 6 to 11 participate in our camp Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Summer Day Camp gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are safe and supervised. Staff from our After School Program and our teen youth members are the counselors who encourage bonding in a relaxed and fun space. Thirty children receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day and participate in activities including athletic and art projects, outings to cultural sites and amusement parks and a two-night camping excursion.

Youth Employment Opportunity (YEO)--Our Youth Employment Opportunity Program offers job training and experience for Bro/Sis members who are selected for YEO through an intensive screening and interview process. Members learn interview techniques, business etiquette, letter and resume writing skills, and computer literacy. Summer jobs within Bro/Sis include camp counselor for our Summer Day Camp, administrative assistant to our Office Manager, and GardenStewards in the Green Thumb community garden adjacent to our backyard.

We also provide internship and employment opportunities in areas that interest our members. Through these work opportunities, members are able to make professional connections to help them enter the workforce. We also partner with the New York City's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) to provide additional job opportunities for our members.