Activating youth to
promote wellbeing
The Working the Gap Initiative (WTG) is a program for young adults ages 18 to 24 who are not enrolled in college, where they can support the wellbeing of communities through paid work at youth-serving organizations, specialized training, credit-earning opportunities, and personalized coaching.
Our 2024 cohort
What is WTG?
The Working the Gap Initiative provides young people with paid work experiences, college-level courses, coaching, and special training on community wellness, peer mental health, and youth participatory action research (YPAR).
In this together
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A work-based learning experience at youth-serving community-based organizations.
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Specialized training and coaching based on each track.
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A personal development coach who supports WTG participants to identify and achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.
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YearUp Work Readiness Institute to prepare and ensure the WTG participants can achieve competencies such as self-management and advocacy, critical thinking, organization and planning, cultural competency, and communication skills.
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Opportunity to take a CUNY SPS Youth Studies course on Positive Youth Development.
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Opportunity to take Youth Development Self-Paced Courses through the Change Up Learning platform.
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Engagement in youth-driven policy work to share lessons about wellness with the NYC Youth Agenda, DOHMH Youth Council, and city-wide, youth-driven advocacy events.
