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Esperanza Prep

Free Learn & Earn youth development program for teens and young adults ages 14-21 in East Harlem, Manhattan

The Esperanza Preparatory Academy (04M372) hosts a Learn & Earn afterschool program operated by Roads to Success Inc. This program is designed for older youth and young adults ages 14-21, providing youth development services that help participants prepare for college and careers.

DetailInformation
Address240 East 109th Street, New York, NY 10029
BoroughManhattan (East Harlem)
ProviderRoads to Success Inc
Websiteroadstosuccess.org
Zip Code10029

Cost

Free - No cost to participants

Age Range

Ages 14-21

Program Type

Learn & Earn

Category

Youth Development

Learn & Earn programs provide comprehensive youth development services including:

  • Workforce Readiness - Resume building, interview skills, professional development
  • Career Exploration - Exposure to various professional pathways
  • Academic Support - Tutoring and educational enrichment
  • Leadership Development - Building confidence and decision-making skills
  • Life Skills - Financial literacy, time management, communication

Roads to Success Inc has been empowering NYC youth for over 22 years. The organization is dedicated to helping young people discover self-esteem, self-reliance, and empathy.

  • 7,000+ youth and young adults served annually
  • 2 million+ hours of direct annual service
  • 22+ years of service to NYC communities

Roads to Success programming is built on four core values:

  1. Belonging - The practice of individuals having a sense of connectedness
  2. Independence - The practice of autonomy and accepting responsibility
  3. Mastery - The practice of developing skills that produce and exercise competence
  4. Generosity - The practice of showing selfless concern for the wellbeing of others

Roads to Success uses evidence-based approaches including:

  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) - Building emotional intelligence and life skills
  • Growth Mindset - Believing intelligence can flourish through hard work
  • Project-Based Learning - Hands-on, real-world problem solving
  • College-Going Culture - Early preparation for post-secondary success

After-School Programs

Explore and Create programs based on SEL for various age groups

Youth Employment

Internships and job placement in professional settings

Summer Camps

Full-day programs blending academics and enrichment

College & Career

Guidance for mapping out academic and career paths

  1. Visit the Roads to Success website Go to roadstosuccess.org for program information.

  2. Find the Esperanza Preparatory Academy program Search for programs at the East Harlem location.

  3. Contact the program Reach out directly for enrollment information and requirements.

  4. Complete application Fill out required registration and application forms.

  5. Interview/assessment Some Learn & Earn programs may include an interview or assessment process.

  6. Begin the program Once accepted, start participating in program activities.

  • Directoryenrollment-packet/
    • Program application
    • Proof of age (14-21)
    • School enrollment verification
    • Emergency contact information
    • Working papers (if applicable)
    • Resume (if available)

East Harlem has multiple transit options:

  • Subway: 110th Street Station (6 train) - 0.2 miles
  • Subway: 116th Street Station (6 train) - 0.3 miles
  • Bus: M96, M101, M102, M103, M106 routes

Thomas Jefferson Park

Large park with pool, recreation center, and sports facilities

Aguilar Library

New York Public Library branch at 174 E 110th Street

23rd Precinct

NYPD precinct at 164 E 102nd Street

FDNY Engine 53

Fire station at 1836 3rd Avenue

  • Associated Supermarket - 3rd Avenue
  • Fine Fare - Lexington Avenue
  • La Marqueta - Historic East Harlem market on Park Avenue
  • Local bodegas - Throughout East Harlem

Learn & Earn is a NYC program model that combines:

  • Learning - Academic enrichment, tutoring, and skill development
  • Earning - Paid internships, stipends, or work experience

The program prepares young people for the workforce while they’re still in school, helping them build professional skills and earn income.

Esperanza Preparatory Academy is a middle school in East Harlem serving grades 6-8. “Esperanza” means “hope” in Spanish, reflecting the school’s mission to provide students with the academic foundation and skills they need to succeed in high school and beyond.


Last Updated: November 25, 2025