While high graduation rates are higher than ever, too many young people struggle after high school. The NYC Mayor’s office estimates that one-in-four people ages 18-24 are neither working nor in school.
MESA’s career-connected learning approach prepares students for the transition to post-secondary success, either through college or a high-quality workforce training program. Our goal is for every student to have a career that is financially sustainable and personally meaningful.
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In 2022, MESA launched an innovative “Alumni Lab” program designed to support graduates who were not in college and either unemployed or working dead-end jobs. Alumni participate in six-week, twelve-workshop boot camp that builds skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, growth mindset, and financial literacy.
In the first year, more than 70% of participants completed the program and either re-enrolled in college or matriculated into a free, high-quality workforce preparation program. MESA alumni are now training for financially sustainable careers in fields such as tech, building trades, culinary arts, film production, health care, and business.
Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, MESA will expand its Alumni Lab to serve graduates of other Title I schools in NYC, either charter or district.
Contact Us if you are a student or school interested in MESA’s Alumni Lab.
Marcus graduated from MESA in 2017, but struggled with the adjustment to college far upstate as well as the financial obligation. He returned home and was working a Foot Locker. Marcus joined MESA’s Alumni Lab and matriculated from there to Year Up, a highly regarded business and entrepreneurship apprenticeship program. He now is on track for employment with a Fortune 500 company and financial independence.
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Adeli had a hard time finding her footing after graduation from high school, and worked at McDonalds for four years. When her daughter was born, she knew she needed to find a more financially sustainable career path. She enrolled in MESA’s Alumni Lab and secured a spot in a training program through Commonpoint Queens. Adeli is now a certified Medical Administrative Assistant with an internship near her home so she can care for her daughter.
College bureaucracy can be incredibly challenging to navigate, especially for students who are the first in their family to attend. It is all too easy for a student to miss an important financial or registration deadline, often with dire consequences.
of Disconnected Youth received a high school diploma, but were not prepared for college or career.
Marcus graduated from MESA in 2017, but struggled with the adjustment to college far upstate as well as the financial obligation. He returned home and was working a Foot Locker. Marcus joined MESA’s Alumni Lab and matriculated from there to Year Up, a highly regarded business and entrepreneurship apprenticeship program. He now is on track for employment with a Fortune 500 company and financial independence.
Adeli had a hard time finding her footing after graduation from high school, and worked at McDonalds for four years. When her daughter was born, she knew she needed to find a more financially sustainable career path. She enrolled in MESA’s Alumni Lab and secured a spot in a training program through Commonpoint Queens. Adeli is now a certified Medical Administrative Assistant with an internship near her home so she can care for her daughter.
of Disconnected Youth received a high school diploma, but were not prepared for college or career.
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MESA's career-connected learning relies on funding from generous supporters like you. Click below to contribute and help us continue providing life changing programming.
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CUNY community college three-year graduation rate
National three-year graduation rate for urban community college students
Percentage of first generation
college students who enroll but do not matriculate to college
Percentage of New Yorkers ages 18-24 who are neither working nor in school
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Four days per week Funke takes the PATH to JP Morgan Chases's Jersey City office where she apprentices as Business Operations Associate. She gets paid while gaining valuable workplace experience and life skills that supplement the AP and Honors Classes she takes.
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Due to her rigorous academic program at MESA, which included AP courses, CUNY classes, and credits through the CLEP program, Taniya was able to enter SUNY Albany as a sophomore and will graduate in three years. Studies show that students who enter college having already earned college credits are much more likely to graduate.
Like many, Cynthia struggled attending college virtually during the pandemic and ultimately withdrew. MESA connected her with NPower, which trained her to be an IT specialist. She now has a full time job working in IT support for Charter Technology Solutions. This fall, she also re-enrolled in college.
Four days per week Funke takes the PATH to JP Morgan Chases's Jersey City office where she apprentices as Business Operations Associate. She gets paid while gaining valuable workplace experience and life skills that supplement the AP and Honors Classes she takes.
Due to her rigorous academic program at MESA, which included AP courses, CUNY classes, and credits through the CLEP program, Taniya was able to enter SUNY Albany as a sophomore and will graduate in three years. Studies show that students who enter college having already earned college credits are much more likely to graduate.
Like many, Cynthia struggled attending college virtually during the pandemic and ultimately withdrew. MESA connected her with NPower, which trained her to be an IT specialist. She now has a full time job working in IT support for Charter Technology Solutions. This fall, she also re-enrolled in college.
of MESA students will participate in a high quality internship, travel abroad, or attend a competitive summer college program
of college-bound MESA alumni matriculate, a rate 50% higher than the national average for first generation students
MESA alumni who have been placed in high-quality training programs or re-enrolled in college
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