Graham SLAM

Graham SLAM (Support, Lead, Achieve, and Model) is an innovative initiative we developed to support the education and career goals of young adults across New York City. We provide youth with long-term, structured supports from high school, through college or vocational school, and to a living-wage career path. Professional coaches help youth attain critical life skills, navigate obstacles, and persevere.

Youth come to SLAM through our family supports, community centers, and foster care program.

We stick with young adults until age 26 through the often tumultuous launch into young adulthood. This support is life-changing for SLAM youth who are often first generation high school graduates and almost always the first in their families to attend college. For youth in foster care, SLAM coaches stay with them after they leave the system and would otherwise lose support.

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Ongoing Individual Support and Planning

Professional youth coaches work one-on-one with each young adult to develop and follow a plan for reaching their educational and career goals. We use Motivational Interviewing and Collaborative Problem Solving, which are nationally recognized, evidence-based models, to engage young adults in defining and working toward their goals.

Post-Secondary Readiness and Support

We help students successfully complete high school, select the right college or vocational certificate program, apply for admissions and financial aid, and stay on track toward graduation.

Employment Readiness and Support:

We provide job readiness training and career-focused support through a model called Career Club, and help students apply to and succeed in internships and jobs.

Family Support

We engage each young adult’s family in the process of developing a plan for the young adult and supporting the steps along the way.

Peer Support

Peers support each other through emotional support groups using the Network model and College Crew, a group focused on completing college applications and attending college tours.

My time with Graham and the SLAM Program was incredibly rewarding. The support and opportunities provided by the program were instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

Jessony Scott

Former SLAM Youth

SLAM has helped me a lot over the years. It has helped me get internship opportunities, college tours and out-of-state experiences. It also has lots of different resources to help me better my future and has also created a lot of strong bonds with people; especially my favorite person, Ms. LaShawn.

Shawn Hunter Jr.

SLAM Youth

My experience with SLAM has been great! Thanks to SLAM I was able to get the help and guidance to get into college. SLAM has taken me out of the tri state area for the first time. SLAM has done good to me.

Charles Rosado

SLAM Youth

When life felt overwhelming, SLAM provided guidance, offered me tools and support that I needed in order to regain control of my own future.

Fernando G.

SLAM Youth

SLAM has been a great experience. SLAM helped build, mold, and prepare me for different opportunities I face as a young adult. SLAM has always been a supportive resource for me.

Teanna S.

SLAM Youth

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