Concrete Safaris

Career Readiness & Professional Development Workshops Summer 2025

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:48:00 GMT

This summer, OLA-SYEP Interns explored career readiness and professional development through a wide range of workshops hosted by leading companies and institutions across New York City. From building financial literacy to practicing interview skills, exploring healthcare pathways, and even diving into the future of artificial intelligence, these experiences gave youth the tools to strengthen their skills, expand their perspectives, and prepare for their next steps.

1. Consent and Social Media – Morrison Foerster

At Morrison Foerster, OLA-SYEP Interns discussed how online interactions impact personal boundaries, strategies for safe and respectful communication, and the importance of making thoughtful digital choices.

2. Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health – Somat Culture Consulting

Marie from Somat Culture Consulting led two transformative workshops on emotional intelligence, mental health, and healthy relationships. Through storytelling and dialogue, interns learned that emotional regulation is not perfection but power, and that vulnerability is a form of leadership.

3. Negotiation and Trading – Morrison Foerster

OLA-SYEP interns learned how to navigate negotiations, assess risks, and make smart decisions in a hands-on workshop.

4. Financial Literacy – Abacus Bank

OLA-SYEP Interns attended a financial literacy workshop at Abacus Bank, where they learned practical money management skills, explored saving and budgeting strategies, and discussed the importance of building financial independence.

5. Architecture – Davis Brody Bond

OLA-SYEP Interns learned all about architecture and interior design, with a focus on creating spaces for youth that encourage creativity, leadership, and play.

6. City Planning and Design – NYC DDC

The NYC Department of Design & Construction hosted interns for an inspiring workshop on how real-world projects—from public art to city infrastructure—are planned and brought to life. Youth left with a new perspective on creativity, planning, and how cities are shaped.

7. Interview Readiness – Ares Management

At Mad Fun Farm, Ares Management hosted an empowering workshop on interview readiness, equipping interns with confidence and professional communication skills.

8. Nursing Pathways – NYC College of Technology

The OLA-SYEP Outdoor Play Interns visited New York City College of Technology for an eye-opening nursing workshop, where they learned about the nursing field, explored what it takes to pursue a nursing major, and even practiced checking heart rates and blood pressure.

9. Artificial Intelligence – Mount Sinai

At Mount Sinai, OLA-SYEP Interns were introduced to Artificial Intelligence and how it is shaping industries and communities today.

These workshops gave OLA-SYEP interns more than just career exposure—they offered hands-on skills, personal growth, and a broader vision of what leadership can look like. We are grateful to our partners, including Morrison Foerster, Abacus Bank, Ares Management, NYC Department of Design & Construction, Davis Brody Bond, NYC College of Technology, Mount Sinai, and Somat Culture Consulting, for making these experiences possible.

SYEP Guest: Marie Milord

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:14:00 GMT

This summer, OLA-SYEP Interns had the unique opportunity to learn from Marie of Somat Culture Consulting, who hosted two transformative workshops as part of her “ Bold and Safe Series .” With energy, openness, and honesty, Marie guided our youth through critical conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships—topics that are often overlooked but deeply needed.

Marie began by sharing her own story of growth, describing how her first reactions to conflict weren’t always regulated. Over time, through practicing emotional intelligence, she learned to pause, reflect, and choose responses that align with her values and the safety of everyone involved. She reminded our interns that emotional regulation isn’t perfection—it’s power. Vulnerability, too, isn’t a weakness, but a sign of true leadership.

Together, OLA-SYEP interns explored core questions:

Through discussion, reflection, and examples, Marie gave participants language and tools to better understand themselves and others. She also stressed that feelings will always come, but emotional intelligence is about how we handle them. Instead of staying stuck in pain, we can learn to grow through it.

By the end of the workshops, one clear message stood out: “You’re not broken—you’re becoming.” Our interns walked away with a new perspective on conflict, coping, and connection, and with the confidence to make intentional choices that reflect their growth.

We are deeply grateful to Marie and Somat Culture Consulting for leading such impactful sessions and equipping our young people with skills that will serve them far beyond this summer.

�� What is mental health?
�� What is emotional regulation through intelligence?
�� How do we normally cope vs. what actually heals?
�� What do red and green flags look like in relationships?

OLA-SYEP 2025 Highlights: Cohort Chronicles 2

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:36:00 GMT

Garden Cohort

This summer, the OLA-SYEP Garden Cohort interns are getting hands-on with planting, soil preparation, leveling, and garden beautification. ��

– Caleb, OLA-SYEP Garden Intern

Photography Cohort

Outdoor Play Cohort

Intern Spotlight: Hustle Hour

“I am learning about companion planting and how important it is for certain plants to grow and how certain plants can stunt each other’s growth. I really enjoy learning and getting to be active in the garden.”

�� During week 4 of SYEP, the OLA-SYEP Photography Cohort visited Central Park to practice their photo skills in nature and explore new techniques, including creating cyanotypes—a sun-powered photography process. They also began preparing for their end-of-summer Youth Photo Expo during Transformation Week, organizing their favorite shots and writing captions to showcase their work and growth over the summer.

Major shoutout to the OLA-SYEP Outdoor Play Cohort interns!
These youth leaders made JungleGym 2025 possible by setting up, breaking down, cleaning up, and making the event fun, safe, and welcoming for everyone. From supervising obstacle courses to hyping up the games, they led with energy, care, and leadership. ��

We’re proud to recognize Cash Evans for his exceptional leadership and initiative during the cleanup after JungleGym. While others stepped back and watched, Cash stepped up—taking it upon himself to ensure all chalk art was thoroughly washed off the street, as required by NYC guidelines. His commitment to doing what was necessary truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader. Thank you, Cash, for going above and beyond! ��

Alumni Spotlight: Heavenly

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:51:00 GMT

Congratulations to Heavenly Evangelista who is now an official Police Officer with the New York City Police Department! Heavenly first came to Concrete Safaris with her elementary school for Green Exercise Days in our gardens. When she was 14, she saw our logo on the Summer Youth Employment Program’s list of Providers, and signed up. She became one of the Outdoor Play Cohort Interns leading JungleGym and other outdoor events for 1000’s of neighbors into her teen years. By high school, she accepted a school year internship with CS, and started as a Health Promotion Intern, learning social media, marketing, communications, event planning, and finance. She then studied the links between outdoor play interventions and gun violence in our immediate area. During college, she became an NYPD Cadet. Heavenly recently graduated from John Jay where she majored in Forensic Psychology and ran Women’s Cross Country. She also finished the NYC Marathon. Last month, Heavenly graduated from the Police Academy. Congratulations to Heavenly, and her family on this tremendous achievement!

OLA-SYEP 2025 Highlights: Cohort Chronicles 1

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:23:00 GMT

Garden Cohort

Photography Cohort

Outdoor Play Cohort

Placemaking Cohort

The OLA-SYEP Placemaking Cohort have been learning how to create public spaces where neighbors can gather safely, promoting events and services that benefit the community.

Career Readiness Workshops

This summer, the OLA-SYEP Garden Cohort Interns have been getting hands-on with urban gardening—learning square-foot gardening, companion planting, and proper watering techniques to help plants thrive. �� These young leaders are gaining essential skills while planting seeds for a healthier, greener community!

�� Focused and framing the future! The OLA-SYEP photography interns are learning how to tell powerful stories through the lens. Here’s to capturing growth, leadership, and community—one photo at a time.

This summer, the OLA-SYEP Outdoor Play Cohort has been turning creativity into community by designing and leading fun, engaging playspaces for youth and families in East Harlem. �� From building mini obstacle courses and organizing games at Jefferson Houses to learning how to create inclusive outdoor play areas, these interns are bringing joy and connection to the neighborhood! ��

This summer, our OLA-SYEP interns explored endless possibilities through amazing workshops and field trips! �� From learning about city design and public art with NYC Department of Design and Construction, to sharpening interview skills with Ares Management, exploring nursing careers at NYC College of Technology, and diving into the world of Artificial Intelligence at Mount Sinai—our youth are gaining skills, confidence, and inspiration for their future. ��

Student Spotlight: Michele

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 15:56:00 GMT

Michele participated in our Summer 2020 Bridge Program and is an active member of the OLA Youth Leadership Academy.

What did you learn from your time with Concrete Safaris?

From my time with Concrete Safaris, I learned how to write my own resume, actively collaborate with my peers, and participate in a workplace. With my resume, I was able to land an interview for the first time. With the many things I’ve learned, I was able to be prepared for what comes in the future. I learned how to actively be a part of my community, and I was able to learn that there are many ways to better a community even through little things like planting.

What was your favorite part of SYEP (Summer Bridge 2020) ?

My favorite part of SYEP was being able to learn what was important for my future while having a community of peers and mentors to assist me. I enjoyed hearing my peers, for we often shared our thoughts and ideas during projects. Even though COVID-19 has limited many of us from interacting with each other in person, in SYEP I was able to communicate with people my age.

What opportunities has Concrete Safaris given you?

With Concrete Safaris, I was able to talk to people who work in Verizon. Luckily, I was partnered with people who were in business which I was interested in. I was able to ask them questions, and I was able to learn about what they do during work. Also, Concrete Safaris has let me experience online and first-hand the responsibilities of a job. I have learned the importance of being professional in a workplace setting.

How do you think you have changed since joining us/ Youth Leadership Council?

Firstly, I believe with Concrete Safaris I was given numerous opportunities and knowledge that will benefit me in the future. Concrete Safaris has taught me that there are many opportunities for me out there, and I should pursue what I love which would need me at my young age to seek out opportunities. Because of this, I have been seeking opportunities on my own time because there are many programs out there assisting youth. Since a part of going up is gaining maturity, one of my mentors at Concrete Safaris has taught me that the way I present myself represents my family, friends, and anyone who I’m associated with. Also, since I have learned that your social media presence matters, till this day I try to think twice about what I post because future employers will be able to see it.

Making The Best Of Garden Days

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 18:09:00 GMT

Garden Volunteer Days are events that give me a chance to interact with people who take time out of their busy schedule to come help us beautify our gardens. It’s great to have people come down and supply their energy towards bettering the community. Especially, in times where everything seems a little more difficult to accomplish, we always have a strong group to help us out.

We had a volunteer day at the end of last month on Halloween. I was dressed in a military suit that I got from a thrift store and I was one of the few people that dressed up. Which is understandable due to it being one of the coldest days of the Fall. I like the enthusiasm that everyone had, it makes these events really fun. The energy that flows through makes the work enjoyable.

The following volunteer day was very eventful. I saw a lot of familiar faces, along with some newer ones. This day was very eventful due to the projected election results. In the middle of everyone working, we heard the shouts and car horns going off. With cheers of joy going on all around us, we paused for a bit as people soaked it in. Other than that, we did make a lot of progress at Paradise Garden. We managed to get rid of a large amount of weeds that day. We even had a volunteer that helped us with some woodwork, it was awesome seeing a group of people pulling off all these different tasks. Beautifying the space one step at a time. By next Spring it should look prime time.

First Time Around: Volunteer Days

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Since I have joined Concrete Safaris, I have had the opportunity to be a part of two garden volunteer days. I have volunteered at gardens before but this felt different. This would be the first time I am not a participant. My duties included greeting and checking in volunteers, as well as giving an intro to start the day. While I am helping run the event, I am right there on the grounds with the rest of the volunteers.

On my first volunteer day at Jefferson Gardens, I was more of a spectator. I was learning the ropes on how these events worked. The first task I took on was help clean up about 200 glow sticks that were magically placed all over the garden. Then I dug some holes for our new outdoor blackboards. Digging holes seems pretty easy, but it gets a lot tougher once you have to dig through all the bricks in the ground. Everyone that came down to volunteer was very friendly. I was surprised at all the work we got done in such a short amount of time. There was a lot of hard work done through teamwork and effort.

The second volunteer day was at Mad Fun Farm, where I interacted with our volunteers more. I definitely felt more confident this time around. It was a productive day where we laid down landscaping fabric and transported wood chips from a huge pile onto the fabric. You could see some areas of the garden transforming into what we had planned. It was a great experience to work alongside volunteers on our way to reach our end goal.

There were a variety of people who came, from individuals to couples to families with babies. It was nice to see a diverse group of people come down to the garden and want to help the community.

Placing down landscaping fabric at Mad Fun Farm.

Spreading out wood chips in the learning circle at Jefferson Gardens.

Raking the weeds away.

Meet our Volunteer Project Coordinator Alexis!

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 20:16:00 GMT

I didn’t really know what to expect when I was coming in to work for the first time but I was surprised by how comfortable it felt to work here. Everyone was friendly, I felt new but I didn’t feel out of place.
How I would describe my first week at Concrete Safaris: Only the beginning. I know I have only grasped a small percentage of the work that I am going to be doing and I can’t wait to start producing more work and helping out however I can.

I am looking forward to the events that CS has in store and getting more familiar with the work that I will be doing and developing in those skills. I feel that the workplace is very free and comfortable. The most interesting thing about Concrete Safaris is all work that is done by a small staff. I hope to learn how to become an essential part of CS while I go through the day to day. My typical day, so far, consists of me coming in and getting on my work laptop and tackling the tasks I’ve been assigned or heading down to one of our gardens to help out.

How I would describe my first week at Concrete Safaris: Only the beginning.

SYEP Guest: Benjy Kirschner

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 19:56:00 GMT

On our final day of week four, youth attended a garden talk featuring Benjy Kirschner, the Vice President of Sales of Wilson Daniels. Youth had a grape juice tasting, while talking with Mr. Kirschner about potential career paths. Youth learned about the production of wine, how each wine gets its unique taste and how it goes from grape to dinner table. Mr. Kirschner allowed students to ask questions about his work, as well as his personal path to where he is. Concrete Safaris was so grateful to have Mr. Kirschner come by and give youth a “taste” of his work! Thank you Benjy!

SYEP Bridge 2020 Kickoff

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:59:00 GMT

Even though it is the 3rd week of the Summer Youth Employment Program Bridge, it is our first in-person meeting. Youth are meeting outside in our gardens to engage in the Outdoor Leadership Academy. Youth are taking precautions to stay socially distanced while being active. Some youth are learning from a virtual platform, to insure small groups in the garden!

Youth discuss Urban Heat with Jessica in Mad FunFarm

My summer training experience so far is

going pretty well because I have been learning many skills for my future.

-Helen, Outdoor Leadership Academy Participant

Jefferson Gardens learns about nature art!

Virtual City Surfers

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 16:16:00 GMT

We have been keeping our youth engaged with virtual after school activities!

City surfers are taking on a new experience as youth are taking outdoor play, photography, gardening and leadership classes online. Youth are learning how to exercise at home by completing challenges, counting steps and engaging in group workout classes! On gardening days, City Surfers are cooking along with our gardener, and trying out new science experiments at home. Students are documenting their experiences of being youth during a pandemic in photography class. As they continue to work on being leaders, Ms. Phyli leads team building exercises and makes students feel more confident in their abilities.

Resources During COVID-19

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:26:00 GMT

With the recent closing of DOE schools in NYC, we want to be able to provide health resources for our Concrete Safaris Community. We will be updating our e-news with resources, both online and the NYC area. Subscribe to our e-news here:

INTERNET SOURCES:

Need to explain COVID to your kids? Use this zine from NPR to help illustrate how to be healthy in times of emergency:

NYC DOHMH Outbreak Fact Sheet:

Federal CDC Guidance for Keeping Workplaces, Schools and Homes Safe:

General NYC DOHMH Corona Updates:

Federal CDC Corona Updates:

We are working towards creating a healthy community, so please remember to wash your hands, stay indoors, and be mindful of others around you. Stay healthy!

Student Leader of the Month: Brenda

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:25:00 GMT

Over the month of February, Brenda has stepped forward as a role model to her classmates, and shows others how to be active with a smile on her face. Brenda enjoys experiencing new things and the teamwork she finds in the City Surfers program. Her favorite activity is photography class, but she still puts her best foot forward in all of her other activities too.

Brenda is one of the returning City Surfers for the 2019-2020 school year. When asked why she wanted to return for a second year, she said ” I knew there might be some new people!” Her favorite moments so far have been meeting the new Concrete Safaris staff, and visiting the butterfly garden during Field Trip Fridays. Brenda enjoys being around others and getting the opportunity to talk and listen to her peers. She describes her teammates as trustworthy and forgiving. Her group leader, Ebony, says “she is polite, respectful, friendly, and she listens. She can be shy, but always respectful. ”

Congrats Brenda on being an excellent student leader!

Andrew, one of Brenda’s classmates, is using his photography skills to take a photo of Brenda.

Brenda and Allen work together to build a water catchment system with their team.

Score one for SCOR!

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 13:03:00 GMT

During our Summer 2019 Summer Youth Experience Program (SYEP), one of our Jefferson Gardens cohorts had the opportunity to learn professional skills from SCOR Reinsurance Company. The staff of SCOR gave one-on-one attention to our 20 youth during a mock interviews segment of their workshop. Staff members provided feedback on performance, and allowed our youth to ask questions about professionalism.

SCOR is being honored as a 2020 finalist by Insurance Insider as the Community Initiative of the Year for their work with our youth. We are so thankful for the opportunity to engage with such a caring, positive team at SCOR. They have provided our youth with skills for the future and encouraged each student to believe in their abilities. Congratulations SCOR!

Jefferson Garden Cohort with their interviewers at SCOR

“The speeches given from the workers of SCOR helped us open our eyes for the future and helped us think of pathways we can go through later one. “

-Jadyn, 15, SYEP Intern

GOSO Partnership Spotlight

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 18:49:00 GMT

Recently, GOSO (Getting Out, Staying Out) featured our Concrete Safaris garden interns on their blog! Read the article below on the experiences of Keybo and MJ at Jefferson Gardens. We are so grateful to partner with GOSOWorks, and to work with their wonderful GOSO guys!

https://www.gosonyc.org/2020/02/07/gosoworks-employer-partner-spotlight-concrete-safaris/

Highlights from Field Trip Fridays!

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 17:05:00 GMT

Butterfly Conservatory

Our city surfers spent a Friday at the Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Conservatory! The exhibit hosts over 500 butterflies and our city surfers loved to see the colors and shapes of these fluttery friends. Second grader Shiloh said “I liked that all the butterflies had different colors and that they eat sweet water. I like that they make families”. One of the guides taught us new facts about the species and pointed out butterflies that we can find in our own city.

Brooklyn Bridge

For many of our city surfers, it was their first trip to the Brooklyn Bridge! The bridge, a classic structure of NY, wowed our youth as they made the journey from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Stephanie, one of our younger youth, said “ It was beautiful and I saw the Statue of Liberty!”

Whitney Museum

Recently, our city surfers adventured to the Whitney Museum to take a tour of the “Artist as Experimenter” and “Making Knowing :Craft in Art” exhibitions. Guides of the museum provided our youth with background information on artists, mediums and styles of art. “I learned some art is history and used to remember people that did great things in the past” said City Surfer Jayden. We are grateful to the Whitney Museum for having us!

Welcome to our new website!

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 07:10:00 GMT

Today, our new website is launching. We invite your feedback so that we can better serve children and youth in East Harlem and beyond.

In Health,

The Concrete Safaris Team