HOPE Program

  • The HOPE program began in 1992 for at-risk special education students from the Bronx.
  • HOPE is an an acronym for Healthcare Offers Permanent Employment
  • The concept is to give Special Education students exposure to the Health Care System by providing vocational training and job readiness
  • It is conducted in collaboration with the New York City Department of Education and is the first of its kind in the United States
  • HOPE students have one hour of academics each day, which could include:
    • Math
    • Money management
    • Current events
  • HOPE students learn business skills in Healthcare in eleven different areas of work, including:
    • Material Management
    • Engineering
    • Data Processing
    • Housekeeping
    • Food Services
    • Religious Services
  • The HOPE program also extends to the Foster Grandparents program, an intergenerational initiative where students and Hebrew Home residents interact with one another to form long-term relationships with positive academic outcomes.
    • Residents serve as mentors and provide additional socialization while improving reading levels and providing emotional support