At the 2026 Global Kids Youth Summit, Fund EVP, Aldrin Rafael Bonilla reminded the youth that being a NYC resident means having access to endless opportunities. Being a NYCHA stakeholder, in particular, gives them more than just an address, it can open doors and empower youth to make a difference in their lives and in their communities.
Young people interested in starting a business, finding a paid work opportunity, accessing college support, joining a youth leadership council, or getting more involved in community decision-making can find resources to help them take the next step.
Below is a list of programs and resources we have compiled for NYCHA youth, residents, and families to explore.
Entrepreneurship and Business Development
NYCHA REES / OpportunityNYCHA Business Development
NYCHA’s Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability office, known as REES, supports residents in areas including employment, business development, adult education and training, financial literacy, and asset building. For residents interested in entrepreneurship, OpportunityNYCHA’s Business Development resources can help connect aspiring and current business owners to business education, financing information, and other supports.
This is a strong starting point for NYCHA residents who have a business idea, want to formalize a side hustle, or need help understanding what resources may be available.
NYC Boss Up is an entrepreneurship program designed to support underserved entrepreneurs with grants, technical training, and wraparound support. The NYCHA-specific program has supported public housing and Section 8 resident entrepreneurs through a pitch competition model.
The 2025 NYCHA cycle listed grants of up to $20,000 for selected entrepreneurs, including $5,000 upon winning and an additional $15,000 after completing required business education and goal-setting requirements.
Application cycles may change, so residents should check the NYC Boss Up website for current or future opportunities.
Food Business Pathways is a free business accelerator for NYCHA public housing residents and NYCHA Section 8 voucher holders who want to start or grow food businesses. The program was created to help resident entrepreneurs develop food-based businesses as part of broader efforts to support neighborhood entrepreneurship.
This may be a useful pathway for residents interested in catering, packaged food, baking, meal prep, food vending, or other food-related business ideas.
Childcare Business Pathways is a free business accelerator program for NYCHA public housing residents and NYCHA Section 8 voucher holders who want to launch or legitimize home-based childcare businesses. The program includes training and support connected to certifications, licensing steps, and business development.
For residents who already care for children informally or are interested in building a childcare business, this program can help turn experience into a formal business pathway.
Section 3 Business Concern Registration
For residents who already own a business, Section 3 Business Concern registration may be an important opportunity to explore. NYCHA defines a Section 3 Business Concern in several ways, including a business that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by current public housing residents or residents who currently live in Section 8-assisted housing.
This can be especially relevant for resident-owned businesses interested in economic opportunities connected to NYCHA-related contracts, projects, or vendor pathways.
Youth Leadership and Community Voice
ONS Youth Leadership Council @youthleadershipcouncilnyc
The NYC Office of Neighborhood Safety Youth Leadership Council (formerly known as MAP Youth Leadership Council) has recruited youth ages 16 to 22 living in ONS NYCHA developments for a paid opportunity to work with policymakers and partners to reimagine safety. A recent listing described the program as a six-month opportunity with youth council activities and a monthly stipend based on attendance.
Application timelines may vary, so interested youth should watch for future recruitment periods through Global Kids, ONS, and partner networks or follow them on Instagram.
Resident Associations and Resident Councils
Resident associations, also known as resident councils, are another way for NYCHA residents to get involved. NYCHA’s Resident Engagement Department describes resident councils as a meaningful way to serve the community and connect neighbors to important resources.
For young people, connecting with a resident association can be a first step toward understanding local community priorities, meeting resident leaders, and learning how decisions are made.
Jobs, Internships, and Economic Mobility
SYEP MAP to $uccess is a Summer Youth Employment Program pathway for youth ages 14 to 24 who live in participating MAP NYCHA developments. The program is connected to the Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety and is designed to expand access to summer employment opportunities for young residents.
This can be a strong entry point for youth seeking paid work experience, career exploration, and professional development.
DYCD Youth Employment Programs
The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development offers employment programs to help youth ages 14 to 24 gain work experience and further their education. DYCD programs include youth employment and training opportunities such as SYEP and other workforce pathways.
Youth and families can use DYCD resources to explore programs beyond NYCHA-specific opportunities.
Jobs-Plus is an employment program that helps NYCHA residents find work and keep more of their earned income. The program offers job-related services, financial help and benefits support, and community support at participating NYCHA developments.
Jobs-Plus is available only at certain developments, so residents should check whether their development is served.
Education and Scholarships
NYCHA lists scholarship opportunities for residents pursuing higher education. NYCHA describes scholarships as part of its commitment to helping residents increase income and assets through higher education.
For residents attending CUNY, NYCHA-CUNY scholarship opportunities have historically supported eligible public housing residents and Section 8 recipients pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. A 2025 NYCHA announcement described one-time $1,000 scholarships for eligible CUNY students with 24 or more credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Because scholarship rules and deadlines can change, students should review current eligibility requirements before applying.
Finding More Programs
discoverDYCD is a search tool that helps New Yorkers find DYCD-funded programs by borough, neighborhood, or zip code. It provides program information, contact details, activities offered, and mapping features.
This is a helpful tool for youth and families looking for afterschool programs, community programs, workforce opportunities, and other neighborhood-based supports.