The Emerging Leaders Program, a nonprofit that helps connect Bronx high school students with career opportunities, opened its first brick and mortar location in Mott Haven. 

Now the organization has a home to make a difference. The group serves Bronx public high schools with career-focused mentoring. They bring in industry professionals from various fields to teach students what it’s actually like to work in their jobs. 

“We want to help Bronx students build the skills that they need in order to be really successful in the workplace. And that's professional skills. It's things like decision making, being able to communicate professionally, critical thinking skills,” said Harleen Singh, the managing director of program and strategy of the Emerging Leaders Program.

Students say their time in the Emerging Leaders Program set them up for success in college.

“When you come here, it's professional life. It's goal setting, it's your career. So I feel like just being in this space makes students more serious about it and like, it just helps motivate you,” said Hawa Fisiru, a former ELP scholar. 

The center is located within Bankside Properties, an apartment complex by Brookfield Properties. The developers wanted to create a community where people can live, grow, and learn. The buildings are located right on the Harlem River, where the first public waterfront park in the South Bronx is. 

Students in the Emerging Leaders Program now have a welcoming place to thrive in the growing community of Mott Haven. 

Click the link to learn more about ELP and the various programs they offer.

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