About Us
Founded in 2023, The Working the Gap Initiative (WTG) aims to prepare young adults, ages 18 to 24, for the next step of the post-high school journey through wellness and community-based work. This ten-month program creates opportunities for young people who want to be the solutions to the most pressing issues in their lives and communities.
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WTG Tracks
Receive numerous college credits that can be applied to higher education while placed at youth-serving organizations
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The Youth Mental Health Advocates receive intensive training and coaching from the Academy of Behavioral Community Help while placed at youth-serving organizations. YMHAs can receive numerous college credits that can be applied to higher education.
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The Community Wellness Champions receive rigorous coaching and training from the Intergenerational Change Initiative while working at youth-serving organizations. CWCs can receive up to 17 college credits while completing community wellness projects.
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The Restorative Practice Fellows receive immersive restorative training from Change Impact to support their placements at youth-serving organizations. RJ Fellows can complete a certification that provides an on-ramp into higher education.
Trainings &
Workshops
We offer over 70 hours of specialized paid training and workshops, guided by CUNY SPS Youth Studies, the Intergenerational Change Initiative, The Academy for Community Behavioral Health, and Change Impact.
We got your back
Our Personal Development Coach guides participants as they grow professionally and personally throughout the program. This coaching provides personalized support to help them reach new heights in each person’s academic and professional goals.
Change starts with youth
WTG participants collaborate with youth at their work sites to develop research-based community wellness projects. Together, they identify a local wellness issue and design a project to spark change in their communities.