Isles Youth Institute

Isles Youth Institute IYI is a re-engagement high school located in Trenton NJ. We will also provide interview coaching and job placement assistance.

A member of the YouthBuild Global network, IYI meets each student where they are and focuses on academic, vocational, and personal development. The IYI Center for Family Self-Reliance brings a fundamental, family-based expansion in the delivery of Isles’ self-help services. The “Center” assesses and builds upon student and family needs and opportunities, aligning IYI students and their families,

as they work towards self-development based upon self-determined goals. The Center is responsive to the needs and opportunities of Trenton families who struggle with barriers to self-reliance. Its mission is “to engage IYI families and encourage them to establish and achieve their own family goals.” The Center tailors services around family and youth strengths and opportunities. A detailed list of the services available includes:

GED Readiness: Isles will assess the educational needs and aspirations of each family member. The center will expand its evening GED training by offering classes to family members and by creating an evening ESL class. Job Readiness and Career Development: IYI job developers will provide career interest inventories, training in resume writing and job sampling through internships for eligible family members. Financial Coaching: Through our financial arm, Isles Financial Solutions, eligible families will work closely with a coach who will help family members learn to better manage their money, make and keep a budget and save for their family’s future. Family Coaching and Case Management: This component includes traditional case management and referrals as well as family enrichment activities, life skills, and healthy living coaching. Health Education and Referral: The Center will provide home environmental evaluations to identify home conditions that may contribute to health-related illnesses. Isles will also provide family education about the dangers of lead and other toxins. Finally, families will access lead screening for their children along with follow-up counseling and advice on how to clean their homes. Housing Counseling: Isles is a certified housing counseling agency by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with no ties to realtors or mortgage companies. We work for you and offer free foreclosure prevention services including individual counseling and workshops on issues such as, loss mitigation and refinancing.

We’re interviewing! 🎤 Mercer County youth ages 16–24—take the next step toward your diploma, certifications, and job rea...
02/02/2026

We’re interviewing! 🎤 Mercer County youth ages 16–24—take the next step toward your diploma, certifications, and job readiness. Apply now!

🌟 IYI Emergency Food Drive: Supporting Families During the Government Shutdown 🌟Dear Community,Isles Youth Institute ser...
11/04/2025

🌟 IYI Emergency Food Drive: Supporting Families During the Government Shutdown 🌟

Dear Community,

Isles Youth Institute serves youth ages 16–24 who were not successful in traditional school settings,and many of our students and their families rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for daily meals.

With the ongoing government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, many of our studens may face food insecurity in the coming days.

In response, IYI will be hosting an Emergency Food Drive to help ensure our families stay fed and supported.

📅 When: November 3rd – November 7th
🕓 Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Where to Donate:

📍 Isles Youth Institute – 33 Tucker Street
✨ Accepting perishable and non-perishable food items
✨ Accepting cash donations

📍 Mill One – 1 North Johnston Avenue
✨ Accepting non-perishable food items only

Please feel free to share this information with local partners, neighbors, and friends. Every donation big or small makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for showing up with love, care, and community spirit during this difficult time. 💛

We work hard and play harder! 🏁Students who consistently participate in our after-school tutoring and Extended Evening P...
10/15/2025

We work hard and play harder! 🏁

Students who consistently participate in our after-school tutoring and Extended Evening Program (EEP) events had the chance to take part in a fun trip to the F1 Arcade in Philadelphia!

We strive to keep our school climate positive, engaging, and fun by creating opportunities for students to connect, grow, and celebrate their ongoing commitment to learning. Whether it’s through tutoring, community events, or hands-on learning experiences, we make sure our students know that their effort matters.

Because when our students put in the work, they deserve to enjoy the ride. 💪✨

🎓 Congratulations to our newest IYI graduate, Ali! 🎉When Ali first came to Isles Youth Institute, his goal was simple: e...
10/08/2025

🎓 Congratulations to our newest IYI graduate, Ali! 🎉

When Ali first came to Isles Youth Institute, his goal was simple: earn his high school diploma and build a better future for himself. Like many GED test takers across the country, math proved to be his biggest hurdle — but Ali refused to give up. He showed up every day with determination and heart, reminding us all what perseverance looks like.

Ali shared, “Asking questions and collaborating with peers and staff got me to where I wanted to be.”

💡 Did you know that more than 183,000 GED students nationwide drop out before completing their math exam? At IYI, we’re breaking that statistic with small class sizes, dedicated staff, and lessons that connect academics to real-world success.

Ali’s advice to others: “Keep your actions silent and let your success speak for itself.”

👏 Congratulations, Ali — and thank you to our incredible IYI team for helping our youth make their dreams come true!

We appreciate Grainger and YouthBuild Global for supporting our young people.
09/18/2025

We appreciate Grainger and YouthBuild Global for supporting our young people.

THANK YOU, GRAINGER!
We're incredibly grateful for Grainger's continued partnership with YouthBuild Global preparing young people for manufacturing careers!
At Isles, we've witnessed firsthand how partnerships like this change lives. When companies like Grainger invest in developing the skills of the next generation, they're not just filling workforce gaps—they're empowering communities and building brighter futures. Programs like Isles Youth Institute understand the transformative power of giving young people the tools, training, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Thank you for believing in our young people! 💪
Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/Islesyouthbuildpartner

So much going on this weekend Art All Day!! Students interested in the arts shouldstop by!
09/16/2025

So much going on this weekend Art All Day!! Students interested in the arts should
stop by!

You're invited! Trenton-based artists can learn more about the brand new Trenton Arts Fellowship, cosponsored by MCCC and Princeton University's Lewis Center for the Arts, at our Open House this Saturday, September 20th!

As part of the Art All Day festivities in Trenton, be sure to join us at MCCC's James Kerney Campus at 137 N. Broad Street from 12-4 pm. The afternoon schedule features:

12:00 p.m. Reception with light refreshments

1:00 p.m. Brief review of the application requirements/Q&A

1:30 p.m. MCCC faculty member Michael Chovan-Dalton will host a workshop on the third floor of Trenton Hall that will share a few options for successfully photographing artwork for a portfolio. Emphasis will be on the fundamentals of making the image square in the frame, troubleshooting formatting, color, and lighting. He will also touch upon basic Photoshop editing.

Artist Dana Stirling’s exhibition, "Why Am I Sad" will also be on display at the JKC Gallery located on the first floor.

To learn more about the Trenton Arts Fellowship, visit https://www.mccc.edu/trentonartsfellowship.

Excited to get to the ballgame tonight to celebrate the amazing collaboration with Trenton Thunder Baseball!
08/22/2025

Excited to get to the ballgame tonight to celebrate the amazing collaboration with Trenton Thunder Baseball!

Along with celebrating all things Trenton, including a spotlight on pork roll, the Thunder will host Trenton’s own Isles as one of the featured organizations.

07/12/2025

🎉 Join us for the Capital City Double Dutch Event! 🎉
Presented by the City of Trenton, Isles, and the Creek to Canal Creative District

📅 Saturday, August 23rd
🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Mill Hill Park (East Front St. & South Broad St., Trenton, NJ)

Get ready for a day full of fun, culture, and community spirit! This high-energy event celebrates the rich creativity of Trenton with a dynamic mix of:

✨ Double Dutch Competitions
🎶 Live Music
🎨 Local Artists
🏰 Bounce House
🎯 Games & Family Activities
🛍️ Vendors & Community Resources

Whether you're jumping in, cheering on, or just soaking up the vibes—there’s something for everyone!

📞 For more info, contact the City of Trenton Department of Recreation at 609-989-3860.

Don’t miss this free, family-friendly event in the heart of the capital city!

First glimpse at an amazing day for our 24 IYI graduates. Surrounded by family and friends these young people showed the...
07/12/2025

First glimpse at an amazing day for our 24 IYI graduates. Surrounded by family and friends these young people showed the world what it looks like to lock in and succeed. A huge thanks to Ja’yir Brown ( ) for your presence in our festivities. Trenton’s legacy - present and future - was on display today! Congratulations to our new graduates!

Gun Violence has effected so many of our families. Join the Trenton community for this important event.Note: Walk begins...
06/04/2025

Gun Violence has effected so many of our families. Join the Trenton community for this important event.

Note: Walk begins at Donnelly Homes and will end at Caldwater Park.

🧡 From Hurt to Heart – A Walk for Healing 🧡
(Please Share)

Sunday, June 8th, bring your family & friends to Cadwalader Park for “A Walk in the Park: From Hurt to Heart.”

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Walk starts at 10:30 AM)
Location: Cadwalader Park
Healing & Drum Circles
Bounce Houses
Music
Free Food & Refreshments

This is a day to celebrate survivors & honor the names of loved ones lost to gun violence. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register the name(s) of those you want to be honored.

Let’s walk in unity, let’s walk in healing, & let’s walk in love.





06/04/2025
This week IYI students and staff joined YouthBuild programs from across New Jersey at the state house, where students sh...
06/04/2025

This week IYI students and staff joined YouthBuild programs from across New Jersey at the state house, where students shared their own journies showing our elected officials the importance and impact of YouthBuild!

We are proud of current students Raymir and Ky and alumni Gloria who were able to speak with and meet several senators and staffers throughout the day - including staff from Mercer County’s own Senator Turner’s office.

Thank you to our colleagues at the Newark Opportunity Youth Network for their collaboration in making this day possible.

Address

33 Tucker Street
Trenton, NJ
08618

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