SoBRO: South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

January 4, 2010: SoBRO announced today that a grant of $18,000 was awarded by Con Edison to SoBRO to support the Green Vocational Training component of SoBRO’s Disconnected Youth Training Program. The Green Vocational Training component is targeted to 20 youth between the ages of 18-24 who are out of school and unemployed. The track will prepare participants to work on green construction and deconstruction projects as well as Brownfield sites—vacant or underutilized properties whose reuse is complicated by the presence of contamination—located throughout the city. Brownfield remediation is a growing sector in New York City with promising career prospects.

The Green Vocational Track will use a multifaceted approach to target the career development of its participants. Program counselors plan to work individually with youth to determine their needs and skills and develop an individual employment plan for each participant. All program clients will participate in a two-week work readiness training based on the National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC) curriculum, enroll in GED courses, and be offered personalized job placement assistance. SoBRO has partnered with over 50 Brownfield remediation firms that have expressed strong interest in working with SoBRO to employ the graduates of the vocational training program. In addition, SoBRO works closely with the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation and has enlisted the Office’s support in finding employment opportunities for program participants.

SoBRO has a strong tradition of providing services to underserved youth and young adults. SoBRO began serving youth in 1993 through work readiness programs and significantly expanded its capacity in 1997 through the establishment of SoBRO’s own Youth Development Department, which provides services such as learning-to-work programs, middle school outreach, and educational projects.

SoBRO is grateful for the generous support of Con Edison. Their grant will contribute to budgeting for a counselor with expertise in youth and employment issues, a part-time tutor, educational supplies, and operational costs to ensure a thriving Green Vocational Training Program. Con Edison has been a loyal friend to SoBRO, and their past support has contributed to all aspects of SoBRO’s workforce and economic development efforts.

For more information about SoBRO, visit www.sobro.org or contact us directly with the information provided below. For more information about Con Edison and its history of support, visit http://www.coned.com/partnerships/community_partnerships.asp.

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CONTACT: Ayca Ergeneman, Vice President of Development, (718) 732-7520; aergeneman@sobro.org.

About SoBRO
SoBRO, a not-for-profit community development corporation, has been serving the South Bronx since 1972. SoBRO’s programs include adult education and workforce training, real estate and community development, technical and financial assistance for businesses, and an array of programs for youth. For additional information about SoBRO, call 718 292-3113 or visit www.sobro.org.