Grace Institute Graduates Defy Economic Downturn
While the economy continues to sour and many employers consider layoffs, graduates of Grace Institute continue to have bright prospects due to the highly sought-after business skills and training received at the Institute.
Approximately 300 women from diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds graduate from Grace Institute’s tuition-free business skill courses every year. Eighty percent of all graduates attain gainful employment after graduation. These are not minimum wage jobs, but positions with competitive pay rates and benefits, usually in administrative or clerical positions, that allow Grace graduates to improve their lives and become economically self-sufficient. Many graduates are placed with major employers in New York City.
“We anticipate a high placement rate for Grace Institute graduates despite the downward turn our nation’s economy has experienced over the last several years. In fact, 83 percent of our February 2008 graduates are employed as are already 62% of the June 2008 graduates.” said Mary B. Mulvihill, Ed.D., Executive Director of Grace Institute.
Grace Institute has developed a reputation for providing quality training in business skills needed in today’s corporate environment and producing graduates who are high-quality job candidates.
Santa Melazzo, Human Resources Manager, Ropes & Gray LLP said, “As a senior Human Resources professional I am often tasked to think “outside of the box” in my recruiting efforts. All too often that directive presents a myriad of challenges and the search can be long and time-consuming. This is not the case when recruiting for a trainee from Grace Institute. Through their efforts I have come to expect to interview recruits who bring a diverse culture and who are well-trained in the soft skills and the highly technical skills. Among the Grace graduates I have hired, some have gone on to work with Managing Partners, CEOs and high ranking executives within various organizations. I know first-hand the value of a “Grace Education.” I can proudly say that I, too, am a Grace Graduate!”
Other employers of Grace Institute graduates include Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Ogilvy; TD Bank; The Harlem School of the Arts; and other New York City law firms, corporations, small businesses and nonprofits.
Grace Institute’s tuition-free programs supply New York-area women with the business and office skills required by the most demanding employers, giving them a competitive advantage in an increasingly difficult job market. Courses cover computer and keyboarding skills, including hands-on experience with Microsoft Office Suite programs Word, Excel, Power Point, Access and Outlook; business writing and communication; and office procedures.
Founded in 1897 by William Russell Grace, twice mayor of New York City, Grace Institute began as a school to help New York women, especially immigrants, find employment. For over 100 years, Grace Institute has provided tuition-free, practical job training in a supportive learning community for underserved New York area women of all ages and from many different backgrounds. The curriculum has evolved through the years from domestic arts and secretarial skills to its current emphasis on technological business skills and career development. Both day and evening programs are offered to meet the scheduling needs of all women served by Grace Institute. Please visit www.graceinstitute.org to learn more. #
