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From side gigs to stability: how a workforce program transformed Tyler Lugo’s future At just 24 years old, Tyler Lugo was searching for stability. A Queens native, he worked hard throughout his school years, eventually reaching his goal to enroll in college to study biotechnology. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the shift to remote learning made it difficult for him to keep up with his coursework. He withdrew after two semesters and took on gig work, delivering for Uber Eats while coaching football. He struggled to make ends meet, feeling that a long-term career path was just out of reach—until a friend introduced him to the Building Automation Systems Training (BAST) program, a Robin Hood-funded partnership between Henry Street Settlement and Stacks+Joules.
BAST is exactly the kind of workforce development program that Robin Hood, New York City’s largest private funder of job training, invests in to ensure more low-income New Yorkers can access well-paying careers. In 2024 alone, Robin Hood invested $12.8 million in career advancement programs focused on middle-skill jobs in high-growth sectors like construction, technology, and health care. These roles—such as HVAC technicians and building automation specialists—offer a sustainable path out of poverty without requiring a four-year degree. “Programs like this don’t just train you—they give you a shot at a career,” Tyler explained. “Without it, I might still be working side gigs, just trying to get by. Now, I have stability, a path forward, and real options for my future.” For Tyler, the hands-on training at Henry Street’s Lower East Side neighborhood center was a game-changer. He quickly built technical skills and industry certifications, but as is the case for many young adults in New York City, economic instability threatened to derail his
progress. When Tyler revealed he was struggling to pay rent and utilities, Henry Street provided emergency cash assistance through the Point Source Youth program, enabling him to stay housed and complete the program. At BAST’s Skills Showcase, Tyler caught the attention of Tec Systems, an energy solutions company. During his interview, he was asked to draw a complex wiring diagram from memory—a test he passed, earning a three-month paid internship at more than $20 an hour, along with the chance to secure a full-time position earning over $30 an hour. Robin Hood’s investments in workforce development, apprenticeships, and job placement are critical in closing the opportunity gap for young adults like Tyler. More than half of employed young adults in NYC want to work more hours, and nearly 70% have looked for better job opportunities in the past year. Programs like BAST provide a clear path to economic mobility, giving young adults the training, certifications, and employer connections they need to secure well-paying, future-focused careers.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
“There was a moment when I was in a financial jam, and Henry Street gave me a grant to help with rent, groceries, and utilities. That support was everything. It kept me housed, got me through the program, and helped me graduate. Without that help, I don’t know if I would’ve made it.” — Tyler Lugo
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