Project Ready Let’s Surge is redefining education and workforce readiness by fusing technology, gaming, dance. sports, financial literacy and STEM to empower the next generation of leaders. In today’s rapidly evolving world, traditional learning methods alone are no longer enough. Our youth need hands-on, engaging experiences that equip them with the tools to thrive in the digital economy. That’s why we’re bringing together some of the most dynamic minds and cutting-edge programs to revolutionize how students learn and prepare for the future.

All children in America deserve a quality education that will prepare them for college, work and life.

The Urban League of Long Island’s Project Ready Let’s Serve is an innovative, hands-on youth development program designed for children, teens and young adults from 5 to 25. This initiative is committed to early exposure to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), Robotics, Information Technology (IT), Financial Literacy, and Mental Health Awareness.

By equipping young minds with real-world skills, leadership development, and career preparation, Project Ready Let’s Serve ensures that students are set on a path to long-term success.

Inspired by global education models from Japan and China, where life skills, technology training, and financial education begin as early as kindergarten, Project Ready Let’s Serve prepares youth from an early age to navigate the future with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

Why Early Development Matters

The early years of life are crucial for brain development, social skills, and academic success. Research shows that introducing problem-solving, teamwork, financial literacy, and STEM concepts at an early age significantly improves future career opportunities. Additionally, mental health awareness is a core component of Project Ready Let’s Serve, ensuring that youth understand that seeking help, expressing emotions, and maintaining mental well-being is normal and encouraged.

Who We Serve

Project Ready Let’s Serve provides age-appropriate, hands-on learning tailored to three key developmental stages:

• Ages 5-8: Interactive learning through basic STEAM concepts, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving.
• Ages 9-12: Intermediate programs with introductory robotics, coding, financial literacy, leadership training, and group discussions on mental wellness.
• Ages 13-17: Advanced workshops in entrepreneurship, career readiness, IT, AI, robotics, civic engagement, and hands-on mental health support.
• Ages 18-25: The Young Professionals program continues a young person’s journey as they move to college and employment.

Program Highlights

Project Ready Let’s Serve is designed around five core pillars to build confident, capable, and career-ready young leaders:

• STEAM, Robotics & Information Technology
  • Hands-on STEM & STEAM education beginning at age 5.
  • Introduction to robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Basic and advanced computer programming & information technology training.
  • Exploring career paths in science, tech, and engineering to foster innovation.
• Life Skills & Personal Development
  • Self-discipline, organization, and time management training.
  • Financial literacy courses, including saving, budgeting, and investing.
  • Problem-solving and teamwork activities to develop leadership abilities.
  • Public speaking, communication, and emotional intelligence coaching.
• Mental Health Awareness & Emotional Well-Being
  • Licensed mental health professionals available for group sessions and discussions.
  • Normalizing mental health conversations so youth understand that seeking support is a strength.
  • Workshops on emotional resilience, stress management, and conflict resolution.
  • Guided activities on self-expression, mindfulness, and healthy relationships.
• Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship
  • Mentorship from professionals in STEAM, IT, business, and finance.
  • Real-world apprenticeships and job shadowing opportunities.
  • Entrepreneurship boot camps teaching youth how to start and manage a business.
  • Mock career days and leadership simulations to develop decision-making skills.
• Civic Engagement & Global Education
  • Youth-led community projects that create real impact.
  • Leadership training that prepares students for civic engagement.
  • Global education initiatives introducing international perspectives on innovation.
  • Cross-cultural exchange programs and mentorship from global leaders.

Why Join Project Ready Let’s Serve?

• Early Exposure to High-Demand Careers: Learn robotics, coding, and entrepreneurship starting at age 5.
• Develop Critical Life Skills: Master financial literacy, communication, and teamwork.
• Mental Wellness as a Priority: Access group discussions and mental health support from licensed professionals.
• Leadership & Community Impact: Engage in projects that empower youth to lead social change.
• Be Part of a National Movement: Join a network of Young Achievers through the National Urban League Youth Programs.

Get Involved

Project Ready Let’s Serve is open to all children and young adults eager to explore, learn, and grow. Parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to volunteer, mentor, or support the program.

Enroll Today!

The future starts now. Let’s equip the next generation with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to succeed in the digital age and beyond.

Education reform and academic achievement are about much more than what happens in the classroom. Project Ready Let’s Serve programs work to improve educational opportunities for at-risk students to support their academic achievement, encourage civic involvement through service learning and contribute to their cultural and emotional development.

We work to ensure all students, regardless of ZIP code, income, race or ethnicity, are well-taught and held to the same high standards that align with college and work expectations, and that all students have access to high-quality educational content, resources and opportunities essential to ensure post-secondary success.

Academic Excellence

Project Ready Let’s Serve recognizes students for their academic achievements and prepares them for post-secondary education. The program focuses on encouraging, recognizing and reinforcing academic achievement among minority youth to counter pervasive and damaging public images of African-American youth in our society. The goal is to energize adults to re-dedicate themselves to preparing children to meet the academic and job standards of the 21st Century.

• Services/Activities
  • Cultural Enrichment
  • Leadership Training
  • SAT/ACT Prep
  • Pre-College Planning Service
  • Learning Opportunities
  • Academic Competition for College Scholarships

Target population and participation requirements

• Students 12-17 years of age
• Academic criteria: an applicant must have all “As” and “Bs”
• Applicants in honors, gifted, dual enrollment or advanced placement classes may have one “C” per grading period

Enrollment in late November and early May.

Creating a Brighter Future for the Next Generation on Long Island

The Urban League of Long Island Project Ready Let’s Serve works earnestly to develop innovative programs to support academic achievement, civic involvement, and the physical and emotional development of children, youth and young adults. The signature programs of the Urban League of Long Island Project Ready Let’s Serve, which include early childhood education, post-secondary success, and youth leadership are designed to help achieve the NUL empowerment goal of assuring that every child will be ready for college and work.

Elliot Allen is an author and founder of the Mental Conditioning Movement and Mental Conditioning Gym. He is also well known as the “Mental Conditioning Trainer”. Elliot is fortunate to have had three careers in his life as a computer engineer, business owner, and currently as a Detective in law enforcement.

Exposure to these areas in life has allowed him to interact with all types of people and their respective mindsets. Through the Mental Conditioning Movement private/group trainings, events, and principles, Elliot has helped others improve their lives (personal, academic, career) by strengthening their mindsets and decision making.

Elliot Allen is the author of books Life’s GPS: Mental Conditioning and 12 Rounds of Mental Conditioning: Us vs LIFE – The Big Fight. He is also a speaker, and podcast host.

Image courtesy SpringBoard Incubators

As a product of the public school system, and someone with extensive experience working with young people, Richard Celestin provides unique insights and experiences aimed at empowering and motivating young people to seek and strive for their true greatness.

YOUNG DEBATERS PROGRAM

Students learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind effective communication, critical thinking, debate and advocacy skills desperately needed by students and culminates in a debate competition at a law school!

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Workshops focused on skill development, dealing with and overcoming adversity, developing perseverance, knowing one’s legal rights, the benefits and pitfalls of social media, goal setting and so much more!

PARENT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Workshops focused on dealing with the ramifications resulting from the COVID pandemic, job readiness skills, stress management and self care, developing a side hustle, how to become a DOE vendor and so much more!

YOUNG MEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Workshops focused on inspiring, empowering and addressing negative thoughts and habits in young men, particularly those who are at-risk or are demonstrating negative behavior, and replacing them with positive and productive thought processes and goals.