The Posse Foundation helps college students find jobs

NEW YORK (WABC) -- You've heard it takes a village to raise a child, well the more support kids have they better their chances of success.

That's the theory behind a group helping inner-city kids get through college, by surrounding them with a posse of supporters.

And that support doesn't end upon college graduation.

Instead, The Posse Foundation stays engaged with its graduates by helping them find jobs they can flourish in.

Stephanie Silva is going through the punch list of everything that needs to be done before this Long Island City rental building can open.

She also worked on one several blocks away.

"I can't wait until we get that led plate it will go right up in front of the building," Silva said.

The 23-year-old is a field engineer for the developer L&M, a company she first interned for in 2011.

When Stephanie graduated from Lafayette College and L&M hired her.

"I kind of grew up with L&M and see this as something I want to do," Silva said.

Stephanie was able to gain access to L&M in part because she was a Posse scholar.

That means that throughout college she was armed with a so-called posse or support team to ensure her college success.

It's the basis for the non-profit Posse Foundation which also partners with leading corporations, like L&M.

"I thought the partnership between L&M and Posse made a lot of sense because we are seeking to encourage people in communities where we work to have job opportunities," said Deborah Bial, of The Posse Foundation.

"What Posse believes is leaders can come from all different background and maybe leaders in ways that are unexpected," said Debbie Kenyon, Vice Chair of L&M Development.

Stephanie may very well become a leader. This Bronx native is setting her sites high.

"I hope to build in the Bronx where I'm from. I honestly hope to keep building in New York City. I want to change the skyline," Silva said.

The Posse Foundation is celebrating 25 years. Posse scholars, like Stephanie, have a 90 percent graduation rate.

For more information please visit: You've heard it takes a village to raise a child, well the more support kids have they better their chances of success.

That's the theory behind a group helping inner-city kids get through college, by surrounding them with a posse of supporters.

And that support doesn't end upon college graduation.

Instead, The Posse Foundation stays engaged with its graduates by helping them find jobs they can flourish in.

Stephanie Silva is going through the punch list of everything that needs to be done before this Long Island City rental building can open.

She also worked on one several blocks away.

"I can't wait until we get that led plate it will go right up in front of the building," Silva said.

The 23-year-old is a field engineer for the developer L&M, a company she first interned for in 2011.

When Stephanie graduated from Lafayette College and L&M hired her.

"I kind of grew up with L&M and see this as something I want to do," Silva said.

Stephanie was able to gain access to L&M in part because she was a Posse scholar.

That means that throughout college she was armed with a so-called posse or support team to ensure her college success.

It's the basis for the non-profit Posse Foundation which also partners with leading corporations, like L&M.

"I thought the partnership between L&M and Posse made a lot of sense because we are seeking to encourage people in communities where we work to have job opportunities," said Deborah Bial, of The Posse Foundation.

"What Posse believes is leaders can come from all different background and maybe leaders in ways that are unexpected," said Debbie Kenyon, Vice Chair of L&M Development.

Stephanie may very well become a leader. This Bronx native is setting her sites high.

"I hope to build in the Bronx where I'm from. I honestly hope to keep building in New York City. I want to change the skyline," Silva said.

The Posse Foundation is celebrating 25 years. Posse scholars, like Stephanie, have a 90 percent graduation rate.

For more information please visit: http://www.possefoundation.org/