Programs

Programs

Four pathways that equip system-impacted young women with the tools to heal and thrive.

Mentor Training Program

PLI trains young women to become peer mentors by giving them tools and resources to break the cycle of incarceration, overcome racial systemic barriers, and build community with each other by addressing the four aggravating factors of violence (devaluation, erosion of community, dehumanized loss, and rage).

A core element of the curriculum focuses on conflict resolution skills education and training, providing youth with the skills and motivation to reduce and de-escalate violence.

View the program flyer

Mentor Training Program

Operation Crown Adjuster

Through Operation Crown Adjuster (OCA), our Big Sister, Little Sister, an 8 month long program created to expand opportunities for girls who have successfully completed Module One.

Bigs

Graduates of Module 1, ages 17–24

Littles

Young girls, ages 9–13

Bigs and Littles are paired to engage in high-exposure activities and field trips to enrich social-emotional growth and personal development.

Intern Leadership Program

The Intern Leadership Program (ILP) at PLI is a sixteen-week grassroots workforce development model that provides culturally authentic workforce and leadership development to benefit girls in communities disproportionately impacted by mass incarceration and most affected by systemic failures.

A coordinated approach

ILP promotes a robust, coherent, and effective workforce development system for low-income young New Yorkers by coordinating with other workforce development entities to avoid duplication of services and strengthen current programming.

We believe that collaboration is key to the success of all our programs.

Why it matters

This approach is integral to our mission: to transform the job market into one that actively promotes access, advancement, and career progression for system-impacted young women. By investing in the professional and leadership development of these young women, PLI is not only equipping them with the skills necessary for success but is also helping to pave the way for their long-term career success and financial independence.

Through these efforts, we aim to break down barriers, open doors to new opportunities, and ultimately create lasting change for those who have been most marginalized by society.

College Readiness Initiative

The College Readiness Initiative is a trauma-informed educational intervention designed to ensure that first-generation, low-income, and system-impacted young women have the guidance, resources, and support they need to access higher-education and vocational opportunities, and to thrive in secondary school.

Who it’s for

Open to graduates of the Intern Leadership and Mentor Training Programs, the program provides individualized college and vocational school preparation that empowers participants to explore their options, set meaningful goals, and make informed decisions about their futures. The program connects young women with a supportive community of nontraditional students who understand the challenges of navigating higher education without traditional support systems.

Tailored support

Each participant receives tailored support aligned with her unique educational background, career aspirations, and personal circumstances. For the majority of participants who have not yet earned a high school diploma or GED, GED preparation is a central focus, helping remove a critical barrier to higher education and vocational training opportunities.

Every step of the way

The Post-secondary Success Coordinator guides young women through every step of the college preparation and enrollment process - from tutoring them for the GED exam, to taking participants on college tours, and assisting with applications and financial aid. Upon matriculation into programs, young women are provided with follow-up care to ensure their retention and success in their chosen post-secondary program.

Events