MESA’s Alumni Lab is a free program to support high school graduates with enrolling and persisting into high quality job training programs so that they can be on a path to upward financial mobility.
Alumni Lab Fellows will take part in an in-person 7-week workshop series focused on college and career readiness skills. The program is free. Fellows can receive up to a $500 stipend paid out at the successful completion of the program.
Do you want to refer a young person or receive recruitment updates about our Alumni Lab program?
Join our email list.
High School Diploma / GED
Not currently enrolled in college
Have not obtained a bachelor’s degree
Must be able to attend all workshops from December 1st through January 28th (if currently working, must be willing to adjust schedule with employer to accommodate for program times)
Ready to join a part time or full time job training program after Alumni Lab finishes
Must be authorized to work in the US
• Morning Session: 9:30–12:00PM
• Afternoon Session: 1:00–3:30PM
Not available?
Next cycle starts in March 2027.
Read our August 2025 case study, “From Uncertainty to Career Opportunity: Alumni Lab’s Integrated Approach to Career Success,” written by David Fischer.
Complete interest form
Attend one mandatory info session
Complete a short 1-1 call with a program facilitator
Once accepted, complete a welcome survey
Complete interest form
Attend one mandatory info session
Complete a short 1-1 call with a program facilitator
Once accepted, complete a welcome survey
Alumni Lab meets in-person at:
New York City Charter School Center
111 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
Elijah
MESA Charter '21
Student Success Coach - City Year
“This program helped me break out of a cycle and strive for better.”
Luis
Uncommon Charter '18
Software Engineer Fellow - Marcy Lab School
“Alumni Lab has been a place for me to hunker down and get to work on my future where I previously procrastinated, and have met a lot of people who were more than willing to help.”
Calaena
High School Of Fashion Industries '23
First Year College Student - BMCC
“Definitely the email etiquette I've utilized the most. I've always been a decent email writer, but now I've improved even more.”
Feel confident speaking about their skills in a job interview by the end of the program
Total Alumni
Lab
Graduates
Different High Schools
Represented
Highly recommend this
program to their peers
Workshop 1 - Growth Mindset and Professional Email Etiquette
Workshop 2 - Career Exploration and Program Research
Workshop 3 - Combatting Imposter Syndrome and Program Applications
Workshop 4 - Resume Formatting and Digital Best Practices
Workshop 5 - Resume Bullet Points and Leveraging AI
Workshop 6 - Resume Peer Feedback and Etiquette
Workshop 7 - Interview Fundamentals - Strong Impressions and Research
Workshop 8 - Interview Preparation Guide for Commonly Asked Questions
Workshop 9 - Interview Peer Feedback and Etiquette
Workshop 10 - Mock Interview Day with Professionals
Workshop 11 - Financial Fitness - High Yields Savings and Building Credit
Workshop 12 - Optimizing the Job Search and Avoiding Scams
Workshop 13 - Workplace Norms and Negotiations Practice
Workshop 14 - Graduation Day and Review for Success
