Partner Agencies

Access - VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation)

(607) 734-5294 (TTY 734-4676)
1-800-888-5020

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation provides services to prepare eligible individuals for employment in a variety of careers, from entry-level to professional positions. VESID can offer tax incentives and wage reimbursement programs to employers who hire our qualified job seekers. NYS VESID can also provide information regarding special programs for individuals with disabilities seeking civil service employment.

Challenge Workforce Solutions

(607) 272-8990

Challenge Industries & Career Resources offer a broad range of services for individuals experiencing employment obstacles such as disability, transportation, childcare, low economic/educational levels and individuals moving from welfare to work.

Job seekers can access employment support and gain assistance with any or all of the following: vocational counseling, case management, resume/interview assistance, travel training, job coaching or on-the-job instruction, long term employment supports, social security benefits advisement, computer and office skill training, networking and job seeking skills training, and volunteer opportunities.

Hospitality Employment Training Program

At H.E.T.P., we train all our participants to be work ready in the hospitality industry and office administrative work. They receive over 60 hours of instruction in skills and certifications in the hospitality industry and office administrative work. Participants get up to 120 hours of on-the-job training and coaching.

Participants learn and receive training and certifications in various areas like Resume Workshops, Mock Interview Coaching, Food/Beverage Certification (case by case), Customer Service Training, Computer Proficiency Classes, Business Tours, Etiquette Courses, Conflict Management, Empathy/Emotional Intelligence, Transferable Skills to Other Careers.

Perks to joining include:

• We pay for interview clothes and clothing related to the job you want to obtain—for example, Non-Slip Shoes, Slacks, Blazers, etc. & We will pay for haircuts to ensure participants look sharp for interviews.

• We will pay for Childcare! Childcare is often a huge barrier to employment, and we want to ensure our participants can make it to class daily.

• We will provide bus passes to ensure you can make it to class daily.

Energy Warriors: Green Career Pathways

The Green Career Pathways provides training for people experiencing barriers to employment to enter the growing green job sector—heat pump and solar installers, insulation technicians, reuse specialists, to name a few. The training is grounded in the nationally recognized Roots of Success curriculum. The collaborative program is unique as it brings together resources from a wide variety of organizations, from private employers to unions to public workforce development agencies to educational organizations, and provides paid training and a nurturing environment for this population. This project will:

• provide employable job skills through paid training opportunities

• improve essential work readiness skills based on assessment

• increase permanent employment post-program

• improve outreach to affected communities

• reduce local barriers to opportunities for marginalized people

• empower participants by helping them understand the root causes of environmental degradation and climate change and mounting inequality, and see the role they can play in addressing these challenges

• create and train a Green Job Employer’s Council who are committed to creating work environments where trainees can contribute meaningfully and thrive

DSS Employment Programs

(607) 272-5348
(607) 272-5201

The Tompkins County Department of Social Services Employment Unit was created to meet the Welfare-To-Work program requirements of applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. It is designed to address the needs of temporary assistance and food stamp recipients by providing access to employment referrals, educational activities, and supportive services to prepare these individuals to compete in the labor market.

ReSET: Reuse Skills and Employment Training

ReSET is a hands-on job training program offered by Finger Lakes ReUse open to anyone 16 years and older looking to improve their skills and jumpstart their career. ReSET (Skills and Employment Training) is embedded in hands-on learning environments throughout our two ReUse Center locations. Interested applicants can choose between two curriculum tracks: ReSET Technology and ReSET Retail and Customer Service.

Direct to Work - Pathways to Manufacturing

This Ithaca Area Economic Development program focuses on workforce development in the manufacturing industry. 

Direct to Work – Pathways to Manufacturing is an inclusive career initiative that helps un- and underemployed people access training programs and other resources and then earn entry-level jobs with Tompkins County manufacturers. Community partners work together to help participants address personal barriers to employment while equipping them with the technical and soft skills to be successful in the field.

 Pathways to Manufacturing is a full-time, five-week training program that blends classroom instruction, team-building exercises, and hands-on experience. It is built on employer engagement: participants spend an entire day with each manufacturer during the program and after graduating, get an interview with their top choice. They also get a $1,000 stipend, OHSA-10 card, and can take the nationally recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam.

Pathways to Manufacturing is a designated community-based pre-apprenticeship program through Tompkins Cortland Community College, part of the SUNY system.

Youth Employment Service (YES)

Youth Employment Service (YES) is a free program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau. We envision a world where ALL teens grow into flourishing adults, and our mission is to level, clear, and widen that path. We meet teens where they are and connect them to opportunities to work, grow, and lead in their community. Our three core program elements are YES Connect, the YES Summer Jobs Program, and Ithaca Youth Council Ambassadors.

Learning Web Programs

Our services are available year-round to residents of Tompkins County.

Youth Outreach Program (YO): Intensive case management services, including supported housing for homeless and transient young people ages 16-24. 

Life Skills: Semi-intensive case management for young adults ages 14-24 living with a parent or guardian, but who share barriers similar to those of homeless youth including pregnant or parenting youth and youth currently residing in family foster care. 

Youth Exploration Program (YEP): Career exploration including job shadowing, workplace tours, and apprenticeships for ALL youth ages 11-20 who are living with a parent or guardian. 

New York State Department of Labor

(607) 272-7570

The Department of Labor (DOL) is New York State’s primary agent for job creation, job listing, job placement and economic growth through the Workforce Development system. Other regional DOL services include: employer counseling services; unemployment benefits via the automated Telephone Claim Centers; and enforcement and consultation of safety and health regulations for public employees.

College Initiative Upstate

College Initiative Upstate creates pathways to and through college for people living in Tompkins County who have barriers to higher education including court involvement, former incarceration, low income, and people who are stable in their recovery.

College Initiative Upstate (CIU) is a learning community of students, educators, and volunteers who are working together to build pathways to and through college for people who are court-involved or formerly incarcerated, people in a stable place in their recovery, or low-income (including housing choice voucher recipients). CIU’s model provides the resources for college preparation, college enrollment, and community leadership – all free of charge. The only requirements are a high school diploma or equivalency, residency in Tompkins County, and a strong desire to continue their educational goals. By effectively addressing the individual and structural barriers to higher education, including the gap in preparation for college, CIU offers a life-changing path for non-traditional students experiencing issues related to legal involvement, poverty, and recovery.

CIU Programs:

• College Prep ATI (Alternative to Incarceration): The goals of College Prep ATI are to make college a reality for court-involved and formerly incarcerated people, whose challenges in pursuing higher education are compounded by academic, personal, and financial barriers.

• College Access: As a bridge to college, we offer many services and material support leading to enrollment in college degree programs.

• Voices That Must Be Heard: In Sept. 2020, CIU launched Voices That Must Be Heard, our new Leadership Program. Voices first project is an ongoing Oral History Project in collaboration between CIU and Civic Ensemble ReEntry Theatre. Our goal was to encourage our local community to open their eyes to the humanity of people who have experienced court-involvement and incarceration, and to reduce the stigma through real stories with humor, joy, sorrow, love, and hope.

Work Preserve

For more than 10 years, Significant Elements has been home to Work Preserve, Historic Ithaca’s job readiness and placement program. Participants build transferable job skills, confidence, and independence through hands-on work at Significant Elements.

Work Preserve offers personalized, one-on-one and small group training in the 6-week Job Readiness program. After completing Job Readiness, participants are eligible to continue in Work Preserve’s 3-6 month Job Placement program with the goal of securing a job. During training, participants set employment goals, build a resume, practice interviewing, and apply for jobs, all with the support of Work Preserve’s staff.

Program highlights:

• Specialized Training: We specialize in providing training for young adults aged 14+, as well as individuals with varying abilities.

• Training with Reimbursement: Participants will be eligible for a $540 reimbursement upon completion of the program that will cover any costs associated with providing their volunteer services (travel costs, food, phone, childcare, etc.).

• Certificate of Completion: Graduates receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their achievement and skill development.

• Preparation for Entry into Green Job Workforce: Our program equips participants with the skills needed to enter the growing field of green jobs.

• Access to Other Programs: Participants gain access to other employment training programs in Tompkins County.

 Tompkins Community Action

As the designated Community Action Agency for Tompkins County, Tompkins Community Action administers a variety of programs to benefit low-income families. These programs include Head Start, Primary School Family Support Program, Housing Choice Voucher Program, Supportive and Transitional Housing, Family Self-Sufficiency/Home Ownership Option Program, and Energy Services (Weatherization and Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) Programs). TCAction, as a multi-purpose anti-poverty agency, tailors its programs to meet the needs of a changing community.

Tompkins Cortland Community College

TC3 at (607) 844-8211
TC3 Biz at (607) 844-6586

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) is a two-year community college of the State University of New York, offering 39 degree-granting programs, including nursing, business administration, criminal justice, hotel and restaurant management communications, and more.

TC3.biz is the workforce development arm of TC3, offering customized training with the mission to put the expertise of its professional facilitators to work for area businesses, industries, government, and not-for-profit agencies. TC3.biz programs are ideal for individuals or businesses looking to develop or upgrade skills to remain competitive in the ever-changing workplace. A wide range of workshops are offered, including leadership development, Microsoft Office-based computer skills, web development, graphic design, ServSafe food safety training, health and education, communication skills, digital photography, database management, security guard training, and more. 

T-S-T BOCES

Adult Learning Center: (607) 273-8804
Career and Tech Center: (607) 257-1551

Services provided primarily for adults include:

• GED High School Equivalency for ages 18 and over: (607) 273-8804

• GED Home Study GRASP for ages 21 and over

• English as a Second Language: (607) 273-4095

• Incarcerated Education Program: (607) 257-1561

At the Career and Tech Center, academics and Career and Technical curricula are integrated, providing a total education for High School students. Student can receive credits in math, science and Physical Education while completing a NY state approved career and technical program. Programs are available in: Computer Technology, Electrical Trades, Criminal Justice, Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Care, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Occupations, Cosmetology, Heavy Equipment/Conservation, Auto Technology, Auto Body Technology, Visual Communications, Carpentry and Welding.

Students needing to develop skills necessary to be successful in a career and technical program may start their education at the Career and Tech center in a World of Work program. The World of Work allows students to develop workplace skills while studying a life skills curriculum. The goal of the WOW program is to prepare students for either entry in a Career and Tech class or completion of high school with readiness for the workforce.

Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS)

Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive recovery-oriented program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The main goal of the program is to help people work on all aspects of their life — social, work, education, housing, finding purpose — when mental health or substance use creates barriers.

Often the outcome of participating in PROS includes an improvement in overall quality of life, a decrease in hospitalizations, and movement towards goals. Each class cycle lasts 12 weeks, but you may begin whenever you are ready. Some examples of favorite classes have been, Change Triangle, Coping with Panic, Strengthening Social Skills, Financial Wellness and Healthy Relationships.

Anytime is the right time to start down your recovery path!

Services With PROS:

• Community Rehabilitation Service (CRS): This area of PROS focuses on developing coping and problem-solving skills, as well as improving relationships and living skills – like budgeting and healthy living.

• Intensive Rehabilitation (IR): This service can be provided individually or in groups. It is used to address specific goal areas of trauma recovery, substance use or looking for employment/ schooling. Usually, this service lasts a short period of time – an “intensive burst” of support.

• Ongoing Rehabilitation and Support (ORS): The ORS component is provided individually by a staff member. Ongoing Rehabilitation and Support staff can meet with participants in the community or at their workplace to help them balance taking care of their mental health needs and keeping their job. This might involve coping skills development or direct support with employers.

• Clinic Treatment (CT): The CT component can help participants overcome barriers that may be caused by their physical health, mental health, and/or substance use disorder. Clinic Treatment includes nursing, counseling, and medication management.

Women’s Opportunity Center

(607) 272-1520

The Women’s Opportunity Center assists displaced homemakers in all facets of their job search. Their goal is to help displaced homemakers become self-sufficient.