Overview

Reshard Riggins, a strategic west side leader bringing years of experience in workforce development, facilitated the conversation over light refreshments in Chelsea. Participating attendees included representatives from Art Start, Emergent Works, the High Line, Student Leadership Network, Seeds of Fortune, Spark the Brain Network, and Urban Arts.

The discussion explored how organizations can better connect young people to career pathways by engaging youth early, creating opportunities for skill development, and expanding access to employers and professional networks.

Participants shared strategies for helping young people access education and employment opportunities, including building confidence, developing soft skills, and helping youth understand the steps needed to achieve their goals.

Key Points & Takeaways

• Engage youth as early as sixth grade with clear connections to careers and opportunities

• Address gaps in soft skills resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic

• Instill values of hard work and commitment to long-term goals

• Create access to employers, professional networks, and career exposure opportunities

• Leverage partnerships with workforce development boards and business improvement districts to create access for youth

Thank You

WSCF thanks all attendees for their ongoing dedication to uplifting the West Side and advancing this important work.

WSCF is grateful to Con Edison for their generous support and investment in expanding grantee capacity.

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About West Side Community Fund

West Side Community Fund (WSCF) is a consortium of leading businesses and firms that come together to support neighborhood initiatives in the west side of Manhattan. Through a bi-annual grant program, WSCF supports initiatives that deliver improved or expanded services to residents along the West Side, particularly underserved populations.