Neighborhood Development Area

The High School for Excellence and Innovation provides unique opportunities for our students to grow and develop a better understanding of career and college readiness. With the backing of DYCD (Department of Youth and Community Development) and a program named the NDA (Neighborhood Development Area) Internship Program, we are able to give our students the opportunity to work with local neighborhood businesses and organizations that are willing to partner with our school. is of no cost to them because the students receive stipends via NDA.  

Through the NDA Internship Program, students are exposed to different occupations to not only gain experience but to also learn skills that they may be able to apply after high school. The students report to these businesses/organizations twice a week for 4 hours each day. The length of the internship runs from the beginning of October until the beginning of June.

Our goal is to encourage the youth and support them in their efforts to stay in school and attain high school diplomas and enhance their life skills. Workshop sessions we provide incorporate leadership development and career counseling, training, and overall life and job skills.

The programs provided and available to our students and parents are rooted with youth development principles that include focusing on strengths, viewing young people as contributors and leaders in their communities, building positive relationships among youth and adults, connectedness, and encouraging all community residents to contribute to the well-being of young people. We strongly believe that a positive youth development approach requires a long-term outlook that recognizes the importance of ongoing, positive opportunities and relationships to help young people succeed as adults.