Programs

The SPIN program (Supporting Potential in our Neighborhood) enables low-income and disconnected youth, ages 16 to 24, to return to the classroom and workplace. The SPIN program is a pre-GED workshop, serving out-of-school youth, ages 16 – 24. In the past, these young people have had difficulty remaining in the GED classes provided by our partner agencies. Essentially, they were not prepared or were unable to handle a classroom environment. SPIN provides them with eight weeks of case-management, as they take part in remedial workshops (nine hours per week). The newly-designed curriculum promotes academic achievement, work-readiness, financial literacy, and basic life skills. Youth take part in field trips to our partner agencies, so they can observe and select appropriate programming. They also make field trips to the library, advocacy events and local businesses to be introduced to the world of work.

Alliance case managers coordinate the transition process to the partner organizations and work closely with the staff to support the SPIN graduates until they have achieved outcomes such as GED attainment, participation in post-secondary education, attainment of job-readiness credential, and/or securing of employment. SPIN serves as the first step on the path to connection – a structured group where youth can learn, share their personal issues and problem solve in a safe environment. The group setting also allows for youth to create a peer support system that will carry on beyond the SPIN group.

SPIN (Supporting Potential in the Neighborhood) is a free program for out-of-school youth ages 16-24. SPIN teaches youth how to be students again and prepares them to be back in the classroom by building academic, interpersonal, and emotional skills in a group setting. It is a GED and college readiness program as well as a life skills program.

Students also gain…

• Referrals to GED classes
• Job training assistance
• Resume writing skills
  
  
  • SPIN meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-12pm for 8 weeks (snacks and Metro Cards are provided)
  • Subjects covered include- media literacy, creative writing, job/life skills, math skills, and financial literacy
  • SPIN has served 40 clients in three cycles (since summer 2009)
  • SPIN has served clients from Sunset Park, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Flatbush, Staten Island, Bay Ridge, Brighton Beach, etc.
  • SPIN client TABE scores have ranged from 2.6-11.9
  • SPIN clients have learned about SPIN through our partner agencies, street outreach, and SPA case management.
  • See more info at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunset-Park-Alliance/70826722469
  • 100 percent of students who completed are enrolled in GED classrooms

SPIN Testimonials from students who have completed the program and moved onto GED class.

“It was live, I liked it!”

“If you feel stuck or like you need a change, SPIN would be good for you.”

“I learned that no one should put me down. I learned from everything we did.”

“It was fun. We met people and learned things. What do you learn from sitting at home and watching TV?”

“People will listen to you and talk about whoever you are. It’s a wake- up call to do something. I was doing the same thing until I realized, what am I doing? I want to do something like go out and get a job and do something with myself.”