Project Pride

To find success in today’s job market, a high school diploma and basic job training are necessary tools to securing financial independence.

Project PRIDE, a comprehensive out-of-school youth program based in Rochester, New Hampshire, helps dozens of teens each year meet these basic requirements and recognize their potential.

Started in 1987 with grants procured through the New Hampshire Job Training Fund and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Project PRIDE offers help to teens facing economic or personal disadvantages that have officially withdrawn from the education system, and/or attained a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Through individualized youth development, educational opportunities and occupational training, this program ensures that participants gain transferable skills to compete and achieve in the workforce.

As part of the program’s mandate, Project PRIDE dedicates at least 2 years to each participant. Their plan includes limited financial support, teaching leadership skills, mandatory volunteer work in the local community and providing cultural education. Regardless of the circumstances that brought the participants to the program, each teen is given the opportunity to find the sense of pride and accomplishment that is necessary to fulfill their career and educational goals.

To participate in Project PRIDE, teens that are economically disadvantaged, adjudicated, homeless, disabled, pregnant or parenting or otherwise qualified as defined by the WIA are selected after an assessment that helps define strengths and weaknesses. Depending on aptitude, learning style, interests and future goals, a specific program is created to help each individual reach their educational or career plans.

Within the first year, the occupational training provided by Project PRIDE’s case workers and mentors help participants gain knowledge in how to select a career path, prepare for job interviews and create a resume. To advance to a post-secondary educational institution, a variety of online courses and access to programs such as COMPASS help students identify and improve their scholastic skills, locate a suitable technical school or college and prepare for the rigors of student life.

Following completion of the one year academic and occupational portion of the program, intensive follow-up is provided for all students during the second year of participation. This follow-up program is intended to ensure success in the workplace and/or post-secondary placement, as well as to assist in identifying and helping to solve problems which present barriers to successful employment and training.

With compassion, enthusiasm and determination, Project PRIDE provides an invaluable service to its community by giving back options to teens that would otherwise be pushed aside and forgotten. The graduates of their program are not only given the tools for success in the workforce, they are also given the drive and confidence necessary for success in life.

To learn more about this program and how you can help, please contact Project PRIDE.