Education
Education is one of The Fortune Society’s oldest and most important programs. Our in-house school, which has been in operation for the last 30 years, currently maintains programs in Adult Basic Education, Math, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) preparation. The coursework is student-centered and designed to engage students who have struggled in the public school system. This program is designed to open doors to worlds that would not otherwise be available to our clients – enabling them to become fluent in current events, fill out job applications, apply for a driver’s license, and calculate personal finances.
Educational advancement represents a significant achievement for our clients, the majority of whom come to us with less than a sixth grade education. Our staff members work together with a myriad of volunteer tutors to foster a love of learning in these men and women: our on-site library is stocked with books that foster curiosity and the computer lab familiarizes them with recent technology while reinforcing the concepts introduced in traditional classroom settings.
In the past year, Fortune provided educational services to 325 former prisoners. Our student outcomes have a consistently higher rate of success than the benchmarks set by the New York State Department of Education.
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For more information about our Education Department, contact John Gordon at or 212-691-7554 x324.
For information about becoming a volunteer tutor at The Fortune Society, contact John Kefalas at or 212-691-7554 x329.
