Career Readiness & Professional Development Workshops Summer 2025

This summer, OLA-SYEP Interns explored career readiness and professional development through a wide range of workshops hosted by leading companies and institutions across New York City. From building financial literacy to practicing interview skills, exploring healthcare pathways, and even diving into the future of artificial intelligence, these experiences gave youth the tools to strengthen their…

Read More

SYEP Guest: Marie Milord

This summer, OLA-SYEP Interns had the unique opportunity to learn from Marie of Somat Culture Consulting, who hosted two transformative workshops as part of her “Bold and Safe Series.” With energy, openness, and honesty, Marie guided our youth through critical conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships—topics that are often overlooked but deeply…

Read More

OLA-SYEP 2025 Highlights: Cohort Chronicles 2

Garden Cohort This summer, the OLA-SYEP Garden Cohort interns are getting hands-on with planting, soil preparation, leveling, and garden beautification. 🌱🌿 “I am learning about companion planting and how important it is for certain plants to grow and how certain plants can stunt each other’s growth. I really enjoy learning and getting to be active…

Read More

Alumni Spotlight: Heavenly

Congratulations to Heavenly Evangelista who is now an official Police Officer with the New York City Police Department! Heavenly first came to Concrete Safaris with her elementary school for Green Exercise Days in our gardens. When she was 14, she saw our logo on the Summer Youth Employment Program’s list of Providers, and signed up.…

Read More

OLA-SYEP 2025 Highlights: Cohort Chronicles 1

Garden Cohort This summer, the OLA-SYEP Garden Cohort Interns have been getting hands-on with urban gardening—learning square-foot gardening, companion planting, and proper watering techniques to help plants thrive. 🌱🌿 These young leaders are gaining essential skills while planting seeds for a healthier, greener community! Photography Cohort 📸 Focused and framing the future! The OLA-SYEP photography interns…

Read More