BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A new employment initiative from a local nonprofit is hoping to provide job and internship opportunities for out-of-work youth in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
MY BASE — which stands for Motivated Youth Building All Self-Empowerment — is launching its Career and Civic Engagement program that focuses on teens and young adults ages 16 to 24.
The goal is to give internships, work readiness training and educational services to individuals who are out of school and out of work, according to Oma Holloway, director of youth workforce programs at Bridge Street Development Corporation, the parent organization for MY BASE.
"There are very few resources out there for our young people," Holloway said.
"We have a real opportunity to have our community wrap around them and get them on the right track to provide them the access to navigate how policies are made that impact the youth, and also to have a voice."
Individuals accepted through an application process will be assigned to a neighborhood worksite approved by the city’s Department of Youth and Community Development. They can work in a paid, part-time internship in a variety of locations, ranging from offices to afterschool programs.
The 14-week program also matches mentors with the youth, who will have an opportunity to meet with local leaders and partners to gain an understanding of public services.
"As we continue to talk about the changes in Bedford-Stuyvesant, we can’t forget many young people continue to be challenged in the community," Holloway said.
"By the end of the 14 weeks, we want them to be employed, be back in school, or both," she added.
MY BASE is also reaching out to individuals ages 14 to 21 for their Youth, Education and Safety Task Force.
The separate initiative is for those living or attending school in Brooklyn’s Community Board 3 where participants can earn a monthly stipend up to $100 by volunteering and meeting with elected officials in the area.
MY BASE will operate out of a new location at 456A Nostrand Ave., where Bed-Stuy youth can receive extra employment support, Holloway added.
Applications for the Career and Civic Engagement program are due by Oct. 12. For applications and more information, visit the BSDC website here.
