Mill Street Loft
Multi-Arts Educational Center
20 Maple StreetPoughkeepsieNY12601
914-471-7477914-471-7507

Program: Project ABLE Year Started: 1994 Focus: Design Youth Served: 60 Ages: 13-21 Budget: $250,000 Mill Street Loft Multi-Arts Educational Center has developed a job skills training program, Project ABLE (Arts for Basic Education, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship). Mill Street Loft is running the model program for economically disadvantaged youth in Poughkeepsie's north side, where corporate layoffs, crime and drugs are common. Project ABLE helps teens gain specific job skills, learn how to resolve conflict, work in teams and exercise decision-making skills. The year-round program involves youth 12-30 hours a week after school, on weekends and during holidays. A 7-week summer program engages youth 30 hours a week. Under the guidance of a carpenter, a retail design specialist and artists, city youth have renovated a gift shop, art gallery and warehouse that are used as training sites. Participants develop and design products and learn all facets of operating a retail business and becoming entrepreneurs. Another component of the program involves youth in neighborhood revitalization through the creation of public art. The philosophy of the program is one of open enrollment and exit; youth are encouraged to stay and succeed through positive reinforcement. They are paid $4.25 to $5 per hour to "earn while they learn."