Our Approach

Working the Gap (WTG) was founded in 2023 to address the employment and wellness needs of young adults, in response to findings from the YAY Census.

We prepare youth to take on real community needs, like mental health support, without asking them to choose between earning an income, learning professional skills, or advancing their education.

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How We Work

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)

WTG participants work alongside other youth in their community to identify a local issue that impacts them. They then design, research, and lead a project that addresses it. Fellows also help shape WTG by engaging in a participatory evaluation design that ensures their voice is present from beginning to end. During their time with us, young people make a difference in the program and their communities.

Paths to Success

Young people join WTG from a variety of situations. Some are already employed at youth serving organizations in NYC. Others are participants in those organizations themselves. Some come straight from high school while others started college and then stopped out. As long as they are 18-24 years old with a high school diploma (but no college degree), they can join WTG. During their time with us, they will receive training that leads to new opportunities including entering the Youth Studies’ BA program, moving up at their job or getting hired for a new role. The support is plentiful and the possibilities are endless.

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Get involved

  • Apply here if you're interested in getting paid to working with young people and supporting their mental health. We accept rolling applications. Our cohorts typically start in Spring and Fall.

  • If you’re looking to refer youth, enroll your youth staff or get access to our workforce, reach out here.

  • Interested in donating? Reach out here