Abyssinian Development Corporation provides resources and services that empower Harlem residents to realize their goals and dreams.

ADC's Mission

For over 25 years the Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) has accomplished a great deal through its mission to " rebuild Harlem, brick by brick, block by block."  As we continue our commitment to uplifting the Harlem company through comprehensive programs and services, fortifying  the family unit from early childhood to seniors is crucial to completely fulfilling this charge.

ADC's Goals

• Increase the availability of quality housing to people of diverse incomes. 
• Enhance the delivery of social services particularly to the homeless, elderly, families, and children.
• Foster economic revitalization.
• Enhance educational and developmental opportunities for youth.
• Build community capacity through civic engagement.

ADC's YouthBuild Program

Abyssinian Development Corporation YouthBuild is a program designed  to serve the needs of Harlem youth ages 17–24.  Through YouthBuild services, young people work toward their GED, learn job skills and serve their communities by building affordable housing  and becoming community leaders.

The ADC YouthBuild program model intergrates education, leadership development, counseling, and vocational training skills (construction, healthcare, hospitality), along with resources for graduates.  Students are provided with comprehensive  services and  support to develop knowledge skills, and enthusiasm for post secondary success.

Target Population

ADC recruits 40 low-income high school drop outs, ages 17–24, for a 10 month YouthBuild program cycle.

Services Provided

The YouthBuild Program has five main components:

1. GED instruction
2. Construction Training
3. Leadership Development
4. Counseling
5. Graduate Services

 Program Duration 

The program operates for 38 weeks (10 month period) from September to June.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants must be between the ages of 17 and 24, without a high school diploma or GED Certification  AND  one or more of the following:

• A  member of a low-income family
• A youth in foster care (including youth aging out of foster care)
• A youth offender
• The child of an incarcerated parent
• A migrant youth

Enrollment Process

1. Open House
2. TABE (Testing Aptitude Basic Education) Testing
3. Interview
4. Intake
5. Orientation

Hours of Operation

Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm

Location

669 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10037

Contact Information

General Information Desk 646-230-0579