Excel

Program Overview

Excel is a program that serves young people ages 16 to 24 who are not in school, not in the workforce, or both. The program serves young people with limited reading, writing, math, and verbal communications skills. Excel aims to prepare young people for successful entry into the labor market or for
college.

In operation since 2005, the program has several components. These components allow a young person to progress sequentially or to enter as needed. They include: (1) adult basic education for youth with very limited reading, writing, or math skills; (2) high school equivalency (HSE) exam readiness for young people who have ninth grade or higher reading, writing, or math skills proficiency; (3) career exploration and employment
preparation help for youth who seek employment; (4) college readiness assistance for those who wish to pursue post-secondary education after their receipt of the HSE credential; (5) referrals to certified skills training programs; (6) internship opportunities: and (7) job placement assistance.

Excel uses a case management approach to assess enrollees' needs, develop a customized action plan, and track an enrollee's progress based on action steps and goals identified in the plan. Classroom instruction is complemented by field trips to colleges and the offices of prospective employers, conversations with seasoned professionals in a given industry or occupation,
and role-playing exercises related to workplace experiences.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Thalia received a partial scholarship to attend a private high school in New York City. During her freshman and sophomore years, she maintained a B+ average and was engaged in extracurricular activities.

Before the start of her junior year, Thalia and other members of her family were devastated to learn that her mother was diagnosed with cancer. The family was further devastated when Thalia's mom died from the cancer.

Thalia continued to attend school on a regular basis during her junior year but became depressed and emotionally unstable. Thalia felt that she did not have the support necessary to help her with her grief that stemmed from her mom's death. Emotionally distraught, Thalia left school for a year so that she could get the emotional help she needed.

Once she overcame her emotional struggles, Thalia was ready to address her educational goals. She sought program that would prepare her for the high school equivalency exam offered in New York State. Her aunt saw a social media post related to the BronxWorks Excel program and encouraged Thalia to pursue enrollment.

Upon taking the entrance examination, Thalia demonstrated great strengths academically and was placed into the HSE prep courses Excel offers for reading and writing, math, science, and social studies. Thalia was highly motivated and maintained an excellent attendance record.

Thalia demonstrated an interest in pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities, leading her to participate in college readiness workshops Excel provided. She also attended career development and professional development sessions that were part of the program.

Based on the results of the Readiness Assessment, Thalia was sent to take the High School Equivalency (HSE) examination after several months of Excel participation. On her first attempt, Thalia achieved a test score of 2853, 353 points above the minimum passing score of 2500.