Bridge to LEAD

Interested in enrolling in our Bridge to LEAD program? Sign up here.

Program overview

Bridge to LEAD is a free program for immigrant women who are beginner English learners, currently facilitated with the use of both English and Spanish.

The program uniquely combines career exploration, job readiness, civic-focused education, English learning, and community building in a safe, flexible, and inclusive space.

Bridge to LEAD begins with five training modules of 4-6h each, held throughout the year. Training modules focus on the following topics: Career exploration, goal setting & time management, networking, job search & interviews, and workers’ rights.

Bridge to LEAD also gives access to additional programming and benefits, including individual support, company sessions, community education and community support programming, and more.

Bridge to LEAD programming is hybrid: Some workshops are offered remotely, using Zoom, while others are offered in person, at the spaces of partner organizations.

Key goals are to support participants to increase their self-confidence and self-expectations, build their English learning and communication abilities, and enroll in further education and vocational trainings to pursue employment or better employment.

We are thankful for the generous support of the Hispanic Federation and the Knisely Family Foundation for the Bridge to LEAD program.

Fees

Bridge to LEAD is 100% free for our participants. MetroCards can be provided for participation in in-person programming.

Eligibility & enrollment

Bridge to LEAD is currently open to Spanish-speaking adult immigrant women living in NYC or the tri-state area. It will benefit in particular participants with a beginner to intermediate level of English, and who hold a high school diploma or less.

While participation in all five training modules throughout the year is strongly encouraged, participants can choose to join only 1 or a few of these training modules, based on their availability and needs.

Completion of an online registration form is required to enroll in the program. Registration will be accepted based on space availability.

Locations & schedule

Bridge to LEAD programming is hybrid: Some workshops are offered remotely, using Zoom, while others are offered in person, at the spaces of partner organizations.

Bridge to LEAD training modules are offered throughout the year, once every other month or every quarter.

Typically, a Bridge to LEAD training module is held in two or three 2h parts, for a total of 4-6h of training.

Curriculum of workshop series

Training Module 1: Career Exploration (2 parts)
Training Module 2: Goal setting & time management (3 parts)
Training Module 3: Networking (2 or 3 parts)
Training Module 4: Job search & interviews (2 or 3 parts)
Training Module 5: Workers’ rights (2 parts)

Complementary benefits for LEAD participants

In addition to workshops, participants gain access to the following programming and benefits:

1-year free license to Learnship online learning program.

Individual support in the form of career counseling, as well as resume building and interview prep.

Panel discussions with professionals from various backgrounds, career development workshops, elevator pitch practice and other practice and networking sessions held by partner companies. Partner companies are from diverse sizes and industries, in particular in nonprofits and government, healthcare and education, finance, professional services, and technology.

Community programming: Community Education Workshops support participants in building knowledge and skills in critical areas for their personal and professional development– including sessions focusing on financial empowerment, self-care and mental health, and rights in the workplace. Community Support Groups provide opportunities for community members to connect and share in a safe and inclusive space through informal and open discussions.

NWNY weekly newsletter with special opportunities and projects, job board, and events & resources board.

Letter of reference for applications to educational programs and vocational trainings, jobs, or other purposes.

Access to New Women New Yorkers’ Work-Based Learning Program & Alumnae Volunteer Program.