PHADA Scholarship Program

In 2026, the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association’s (PHADA) Scholarship Program will award three scholarships to assist with costs for tuition, books, and activities directly related to education for graduating high school seniors who’ve demonstrated academic excellence and reside in public and assisted housing. Qualifying high school seniors must be preparing to enter higher level learning, defined as a two-to-four-year college, trade school or formal certification program, and must reside in a New York State PHADA member agency, such as NYCHA. Visit PHADA’s website for more information and to apply online. All application materials must be received by PHADA no later than January 23, 2026.

Free Construction Training 

NYCHA REES, in partnership with Bed Stuy Collective LLC, Kalel Companies, and Building Skills NY, is offering a free, six-day construction safety and skills training from January 12–19. This program provides participants with industry-recognized certifications, including the 30-hour OSHA construction certification and the 10-hour NYC DOB Site Safety Training (SST) certification. NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply, with priority given to residents of Ocean Hill Apartments and Stuyvesant Gardens. To register, please call the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100.

NPower Tech Fundamentals

NPower is launching its Spring 2026 Tech Fundamentals program, designed to help young adults (ages 18-26) master IT basics while gaining hands-on experience and earning valuable credentials. The 20-week program runs from February 4 to June 24, with four-hour classes held Monday through Friday. You’ll have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA A+ and IT Fundamentals+, a Google IT Support Certificate, and an IT Generalist Apprenticeship credential. To learn more, register online to attend the virtual information session on January 14 at 2 p.m., or call the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100.

Per Scholas Technology Training  

Train for a career in tech! Per Scholas is recruiting NYCHA residents ages 18 and older for its no-cost technology training, including IT support and cybersecurity. Please join an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about how to apply and hear directly from the Per Scholas team. Register online or call the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100.

Join the Parks Enforcement Patrol  

Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officers are front-line guardians of New York City’s parks and public spaces. PEP officers play a vital role in keeping millions of New Yorkers and visitors safe while preserving the beauty, accessibility, and integrity of over 30,000 acres of green space. PEP officers start with an annual salary of $56,000. Visit the NYC Parks website for more information on how to apply.

Become an NYC Parks Lifeguard

NYC Parks has begun recruiting lifeguards for 2026. Wages for lifeguards are $22 per hour. NYC Parks is looking for dedicated, mission-driven individuals to play a critical role in keeping a close watch on public pools and beaches. Lifeguard qualifying tests take place from late October through late February. All potential lifeguards must first pass this test before beginning training. Visit the NYC Parks website for more information on how to apply.

Now Recruiting: 

YouthBuild Training Program in Brownsville 

Are you a NYCHA teen or young adult resident in Brownsville between the ages of 17-24? Are you interested in earning your high school equivalency diploma while gaining high-demand construction industry skills? NYCHA YouthBuild is a free career learning and skills-building program for young people residing in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. Through this six-month program, you will receive leadership development, academic support, hands-on construction skills with industry-recognized certifications, and case management support. YouthBuild will assist in defining your career goals and life aspirations. Please fill out the interest form today and learn more here.

Jobs-Plus Coney Island Information Sessions  

NYCHA residents from Coney Island Houses, Coney Island I (Sites 4 and 5), and Surfside Gardens now have a place close to home to get assistance with employment opportunities, educational advancement, and financial counseling at the new Jobs-Plus Coney Island office. Attend an upcoming information session to learn more or contact the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100 for more information.

NRTA Pest Control Training is Recruiting  

Take the first step towards a career in pest control! NYCHA’s Resident Training Academy (NRTA) is exclusive to NYCHA residents. This full-time pest control training prepares NYCHA residents for the New York State Pesticide Certification exam and connects qualified graduates to employment. Register online for the NRTA entrance exam or call the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100.

NRTA Janitorial Track Is Recruiting  

Gain industry training with the NYCHA Resident Training Academy (NRTA) janitorial track. Exclusive to NYCHA residents. The competitive application process begins with reserving your seat online or by calling the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100 to register for the next available NRTA janitorial assessment session.

Info Sessions on Section 3 Employment and Job Training 

Attend a REES information session to learn more about upcoming employment, job training, adult education, financial counseling, and resident business development services. REES info sessions are held virtually and in-person. Registration is required: Call the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100 or register online for upcoming REES info sessions.

Train and Earn with Vanguarde Digital

Vanguarde Digital’s Train & Earn program provides out-of-school, out-of-work youth ages 16-24 with the cutting-edge skills, work experience, and support to launch successful careers in NYC’s fastest-growing tech industries. The free 12-week program combines industry training, certifications, paid internships, and more. Email Paul@vanguardenyc.com to RSVP for information sessions on January 7 at 10 a.m. and January 14 at 12 p.m., or complete an online interest form.

NYC Restaurant Academy: Free 3-Part Course

Are you an aspiring food business owner or early-stage food and beverage operator? Join NYC Restaurant Academy for a free 3-part, in-depth business management course for aspiring restaurateurs, early-stage operators, and anyone considering opening a storefront food service business. Learn what’s needed to plan, launch, and operate your business. Space is limited. Register online to secure your spot.

Business Entrepreneurship Panel and Networking Event

Get ready for your second act in 2026! It’s not too late to live your dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Join the New York Urban League’s Small Business Solutions Center and TD Bank in person on January 13 at 6 p.m. to meet a panel of successful entrepreneurs who launched their businesses following major life changes. Network with other established and aspiring business owners. Space is limited. Register online.

Now Hiring: Emergency Snow Shovelers

Want to earn extra money this winter? Become a temporary Emergency Snow Shoveler with the NYC Department of Sanitation! For the 2025-26 winter season, per-diem workers earn $19.14 per hour to start and $28.71 per hour after 40 hours worked in a week. When the next snowstorm hits, emergency snow shovelers from the NYC Department of Sanitation will help clear ice and snow throughout the city. Register online.

NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES) connects residents to economic opportunity services through partnerships with local and citywide organizations. 

NYCHA Residents can find Section 3 and other employment opportunities at the following link: Opportunity NYCHA Job Listings. 

For more events, visit our website at OpportunityNYCHA.org, or call the REES Hotline at (718) 289-8100 to speak with a REES team member.