Dear Friend,

For 27 years, Isles Youth Institute has provided academic, vocational, and leadership preparation for hundreds of young people in the Trenton region. We do this with the understanding that education and training is a key pathway to self-reliance, and an investment in our youth is an investment in our future. While COVID has challenged us in new ways over the past year, we’ve been inspired by the dedication and determination of the youth we work with, and have found ways to continue providing what matters most: a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where youth succeed.

As Principal of Isles Youth Institute, I have the honor of seeing our students overcome their obstacles and earn a high school diploma and secure employment. Erin, featured below, is one of our most recent success stories, and we look forward to hearing about her many triumphs in the months and years to come!

As we adapt to our new COVID realities, and plan for a return to our classrooms and in-person instruction this spring, we’re working to expand our programming in civic engagement and job readiness, while also increasing our vocational training options to include culinary arts, in addition to construction and nurse aide. We’re looking forward to creating more opportunities for young people to engage meaningfully in their communities, broaden their career options, and forge their own paths to self-reliance.

We thank you all for your passionate support of Trenton’s youth over the past 27 years, and we look forward to building and growing with you for the next 27!

In community,

Principal, Isles Youth Institute

The path of many Isles Youth Institute students is not always a straight line. After previously passing most subjects of her High School Diploma testing, Erin began to struggle with some personal issues and temporarily dropped out of IYI. We kept in touch with her, and welcomed Erin back when she was ready to rededicate herself to Isles Youth Institute in September 2019. She was determined to complete her last subjects for earning a High School Diploma and construction certification. Erin was able to complete her HiSET (high school equivalency test) requirements in January 2020 and construction training that February, right before the COVID pandemic hit and in-person classes stopped.

Last June, Erin was one of five students who received a personalized and socially-distant graduation ceremony held at the Social Profit Center at Mill One. She was joined by close family and IYI staff, where they celebrated safely watching Erin walk across the stage. IYI was truly pleased to celebrate this “all eyes on you” kind of moment in honoring Erin.

Erin was looking forward to starting her new internship at a local bakery, but COVID put this exciting opportunity on hold. However, Erin continued working with IYI Job Developer Alla Fedosenko, and was persistent towards working and providing for herself through the pandemic.

Erin in now attending Berkel Training Institute where she is studying to get her Certified Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide certifications. We are so proud of Erin for staying the course and continuing in her education!