VILLAGE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (VAP)
We invest in the growth of BIPOC-owned small businesses and help them hire people from our local community. We are transforming the employer-employee relationship to emphasize co-ownership and community generational wealth over individual profits and worker exploitation.
VAP apprentices participate in a 6-week training program that includes an exploration of self, a study of The People's History, a critical look at dismantling oppressive systems, and understanding the labor movement. This program prepares apprentices for a work placement with a local business.
VAP business partners participate in a 4-week seminar series that includes a critical examination of economic systems, a reflection on successful business leadership and business responsibility to community. This program helps businesses prepare to mentor a dynamic and motivated young person and to think critically about business models that prioritize people and community generational wealth over rugged individualism and profit.
With young people, businesses, and communities working cooperatively, we can thrive together. We can ensure that workers receive living wages and opportunities for leadership and growth and ownership and that employers are able to generate wealth for themselves and for the community.
Impact
70% of our first VAP cohort secured part-time and full-time employment after completing a 6-month apprenticeship
Provided $30,000 in seed investments to three Black-owned businesses in East New York, Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy
