What We Do

One-third of adult New Yorkers– over two million people– lack either English proficiency or a high school diploma, but inadequate funding means that just 3% of New Yorkers have access to critical classes. Make the Road New York helps meet this need by providing English, computer, citizenship preparation, and Bridge to Health Careers classes to over 1,300 adults annually and by working in coalition with other providers across the city and state to push for better funding for adult education classes for all New Yorkers.

Up-Skilling Students
How We're Helping

Our teachers set high expectations and use proven methods to help students advance and meet their goals. Over 80% of students who complete their English language course move up at least one educational level.

Our English and computer literacy classes increase students’ knowledge of their rights, and develop the skills they need to engage civically as well as  secure and retain jobs. Working closely with our in-house legal services providers, our citizenship class instructors help community members apply for and obtain citizenship. We help 60-100 people to become citizens every year and more than 100 others annually to prepare for future exams.

Our health team and adult literacy team staff work together to prepare students for stable and productive jobs. Our Community Health Worker (CHW) Training program prepares students with the skills needed to become CHWs in NYC, and connects students with internship opportunities as well as health job placement assistance. Click here to sign up to learn more about our program!

80%
of students
who complete a MRNY English course advance at least one level
Fast Facts
  • Every year, we help over 1,300 adults learn English, pass their citizenship tests, and learn new job skills
  • Our curriculum integrates know your rights information on issues housing, education, work, immigration, health and economic issues.
  • Our coalition efforts resulted in over $13.5 million additional dollars being added to NYC/NYS budgets in the last year to fund additional adult literacy programming.
  • After completing our Community Health Worker Training Program, the average wages of our graduates increase by 46%.
Meet Jorge

Jorge Idrovo, a MRNY member from Long Island, enrolled in our adult education classes to build skills that would help him expand his painting business. He’s studied English with MRNY for over a year, advancing three full levels. “I work all over Suffolk and Nassau and about 90% of my clients are native English speakers. The language skills I’ve learned at Make the Road New York have helped me attract new clients,” Jorge says.

Help immigrant New Yorkers achieve their goals

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