JobsFirst NYC

As we approach a new administration, JobsFirst NYCJobsFirstNYC is sharing our top recommendations to advance and improve systems for young people who are out of school and out of work in New York City.

The City has a unique opportunity to modernize economic and workforce development system, one that aligns with labor market and neighborhood needs and prepares young people for success in a rapidly changing economy.

The reality is that more than 106,000 young adults in the five boroughs are out of school and out of work, with many more underemployed in part-time or jobs that do not provide a pathway to economic mobility Here is the upside, these challenges are solvable. Together, we can strengthen neighborhoods that lack coherent systems of education, skills training, and employment.

✒️ JobsFirst Recommendations:
1. Strengthen and modernize pathways from school to work
2. Invest in neighborhoods so young adults can thrive where they live
3. Build next-generation work solutions for a changing economy
4. Prepare young adults to navigate and shape an AI-driven economy
5. Use youth-centered data and accountability to drive results

Please visit JobsFirstNYC.org to read the full memo https://jobsfirstnyc.org/latest/priority-actions-to-increase-economic-mobility-for-new-york-citys-young-adults/

We are proud to share that Parker, CEO and President of JobsFirst NYC, has been named a 2025 Manhattan Power Women Honoree by Schneps Media.

This recognition highlights women whose leadership strengthens the communities where we live and work, and it reflects Marjorie’s unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity for young adults.

With more than 25 years of experience advancing adult and youth services initiatives and consulting for nonprofit organizations across New York City, her leadership has helped JobsFirstNYC deepen its impact and strengthen partnerships citywide.

Learn more about this year’s Power Women of Manhattan honorees https://www.schnepsmedia.com/events/powerwomenofmanhattan/

✨ Congratulations to Reeves, JobsFirst NYC Communications Intern, on leading an inspiring workshop at National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) Youth Days in D.C.!

Sirrea's session, 🎙️ From Participant to Collaborator: My Journey to Centering Youth Voice at JobsFirstNYC, powerfully captured what it means to move from being part of the conversation about young adults to shaping it. 💬🙌

Meanwhile, Team NY2, led by Christine James-McKenzie and Roman Jackson, spent the afternoon strategizing for tomorrow’s Capitol Hill visit, where our youth leaders will share real insights from their peers about the issues that matter most.

We are so proud of this generation of waymakers who are raising their voice and being heard. 💪🗣️

How can nonprofits grow stronger together? Yesterday morning, welcomed Children and Youth Services from Singapore to our office for a dynamic exchange on how both organizations tackle the challenges young people face across education, work, and community. Nonprofits grow stronger and make a greater impact when they openly share their experiences and innovative strategies.

Following their visit to our office, the SHINE team traveled to Staten Island to learn about Wins Coalition from partners at New York Center for Interpersonal Development and Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. While on their tour, they had an opportunity to observe how community-based partnerships are creating pathways for young adults to thrive.

SHINE supports children and youth through research-based Social Work and Educational Psychology programs, advancing evidence-informed approaches that align deeply with our mission to improve outcomes for young people in New York City.

Engaging with organizations like SHINE reinforces the power of collaboration and shared learning across contexts. We are grateful for their visit and inspired by their commitment to helping young people reach their full potential.