Our Programs

Rebound is an innovative work readiness program that uses the game of basketball to help youth focus on their future and prepare them for careers and college. The program targets young people between the ages of 17 to 24 who are either unemployed, disconnected from school and community engagement, or have been involved in the justice system.

The sports-based program prepares youth to become work-ready, by developing interview skills, proper work communication, professionalism, and time management skills. In addition to basketball drills, Rebound program participants attend workshops that build these skills and also focus on teamwork, conflict resolution, and commitment.

Click to read about Rebound’s impact

This unique program is modeled after Spaces for Sports, a program started by Barclays in the United Kingdom in 2004. The Spaces for Sports program has been successful in helping young people find employment, career paths, and college entrance and has been adopted in communities across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Thanks to Barclays’ generous support, Good Shepherd Services has been able to bring the program to East New York and Red Hook, high-need communities where youth and families face many challenges.

Since creating the program in 2014, 9 out of 10 program participants have found jobs or accessed opportunities to further their education.

Read the latest results on Rebound to find out how it’s making a difference, here.

Rebound Assist

Rebound Assist engages students at all of our Young Adult Borough Centers (YABC) in Brooklyn who are close to graduating high school and wish to pursue a career in lieu of college. To meet their needs, Rebound Assist is designed as a stage-based workforce readiness and apprenticeship program that combines social and emotional learning with technical skill development matched to industry needs. The program helps young people acquire the qualifications our business partners seek in their entry-level employees.

Watch this video to learn more about Rebound.