By Thomas J. Stefanchik
Now that 2026 is upon us, it’s time to start working on those New Year’s resolutions. Do you want to obtain your high school diploma? Would you like to learn to read, speak and write English, or to improve your skills in these areas? Are you interested in pursuing a new career in a high-demand industry? If you have set any of these goals for the New Year, or if you need help establishing goals, then we invite you to enroll in Pathways to Success, the Adult Education Program of the Yonkers Public Schools.
Pathways to Success offers these classes FREE OF CHARGE to residents of Yonkers, 18 years of age and older. Prior to entering an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or New York State High School Equivalency (HSE) Program, students are assessed using diagnostic tools mandated by the New York State Education Department. Based on their scores, they are then placed in a class which will best suit their academic needs and set them on the pathway to success.
In addition to the above programs, Pathways provides training geared towards careers that are in demand in our area. Their current vocational training programs, and the industry-recognized credentials which they offer, are as follows:
- Barbering (Infection Control)
- Carpentry (OSHA and Material Handling)
- Culinary Arts (ServSafe Food Handling and ServSafe Allergens)
- Computers (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
- Medical Billing & Coding (Medical Billing & Coding Specialist)
- Retail/Entrepreneurship (National Retail Federation)
- Classroom Aide (Child Abuse Identification)
- Home Health Aide (Home Health Aide, Personal Care Aide)
To further prepare students for successful employment, Pathways to Success provides job readiness classes, resume preparation, interview skills training, assistance with online job applications, job fairs and other employment services.
Pathways also offers various support services which can assist residents in navigating the complexities of living in a major urban community such as Yonkers. At the Family Welcome Center, individuals and families are connected with the local community resources necessary to meet their goals. Family Welcome Center liaisons coordinate referrals with numerous partner organizations in order to provide for such needs as immigration, citizenship assistance, translation, evaluation of foreign educational credentials, health care, housing, insurance and more.
Currently celebrating its eighteenth year of serving the community, Pathways to Success has enhanced the lives of tens of thousands of Yonkers residents, as overseen by Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. and Principal Sanah Susan Naber. Although the Vive School serves as the program’s hub, Pathways offers day end evening programs, as well as Family Welcome Centers, at various locations throughout the School District. All classes are offered pending funding.
Pathways to Success can assist you in achieving your educational and employment goals. For more information please visit the Vive School at 75 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. You may also:
- Call the school at 914-376-8600, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Send an email to pathwaysinfo@yonkerspublicschools.org
- Visit their website at yonkerspublicschools.org/vive
