Project ABLE

(Arts • Basic education • Life skills • Entrepreneurship)

PROJECT ABLE is an innovative year-round youth employment training program that addresses the needs of City of Poughkeepsie economically disadvantaged youth ages 14-21.

Background & Program Objectives
PROJECT ABLE is an innovative youth employment training and prevention program initiated in 1994. It addresses the needs of economically disadvantaged City of Poughkeepsie youth ages 14-19 who face multiple barriers to employment. Youth are employed to “earn while they learn” and attend full time for six weeks during July and August.

Project ABLE is free to all participants. Youth are recommended through school guidance counselors, faculty and neighborhood leaders. The program is 100% dependent upon funding, which is currently provided through grants from: the Children’s Services Council of Dutchess County, The Community Foundation of DC, The Dyson Foundation, DC Workforce Investment Board (through the Federal TANF program), DC Youth Bureau, United Way of DC, as well as contributions from area businesses and individuals.

Project ABLE has received national, regional and local recognition for its innovative arts-based entrepreneurship approach to job-skills training, including the 1997 BRAVO Arts for Change Award. Project ABLE youth designed one of the six posters selected by the USDA for its National Team Nutrition Program, and were recognized by the White House. Since its inception, and including its Habilidad bi-lingual component, more than 800 City of Poughkeepsie youth have benefited from this program.

Project ABLE helps students to:

  • Develop communication skills
  • Improve social skills
  • Foster self-expression
  • Elevate self-esteem
  • Increase Leadership skills
  • Practice job readiness skills, including: resume writing, interviewing, and team work
  • Become involved in community service projects

Project ABLE youth learn and practice applying the “soft skills” employers look for, such as:

  • Conflict resolution
  • Flexibility
  • Responsibility
  • Decision-making skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Problem solving
  • Time management

For more information contact Mill Street Loft (845) 471-7477.