Spotlight On

Mission: As it has for over 100 years, Grace Institute provides tuition-free, practical job training in a supportive learning community for underserved New York area women of all ages and from many different backgrounds. In the tradition of its founding family, Grace Institute is dedicated to the development of the personal and business skills necessary for self-sufficiency, employability and an improved quality of life.

Background: Grace Institute was founded in 1897 by William Russell Grace, twice elected mayor of New York City, and his brother Michael P. Grace with the help of Grace Dodge, the first woman appointed to the New York City Board of Education. The curriculum evolved through the years from domestic arts to stenographic and secretarial skills to highly sophisticated technological skills, but was buttressed from the beginning with nurturing and moral values. Within an environment of respect, personal dignity, compassion and simplicity, Grace Institute believes in building a base for continual personal growth and self-improvement. This special culture has been at the heart of the program’s strength. To date, well over 100,000 women have been trained at Grace Institute. Grace Institute is recognized for the success of its program in attracting deserving women, retaining them through the length of the program, and upon graduation, assisting in securing employment.

Current Programs: Designed to train women interested in becoming Administrative Assistants, our wonderful scholarship programs teach the essential business and computers skills necessary to enter today’s competitive workforce. Small class sizes insure that each student receives personal attention within an intimate and comfortable learning environment.

We offer nine-month training and four-month training, daytime and evening. Training includes Computer Skills, Keyboarding, Business Writing & Communications, Business Math, Office Procedures and Career Development. Special Programs include Entrepreneurship Training for women interested in starting their own business. Grace Institute provides professional career development, internship opportunities and job placement upon completion of the program.

Grace Institute is also committed to making the program a cultural and personal experience. Several activities including museum visits, art programs, and guest speakers allow students to learn more and explore interests beyond academics.

Funding Needs: Since it was established, Grace Institute has been supported by the Grace Endowment. In order to expand the 'Administrative Assistant Program' to reach out to a larger number of economically disadvantaged women in New York City, additional resources will be needed. These funds will be used to upgrade to modern equipment and ensure optimal utilization of building and staff resources to meet the increased enrollment and diverse programming.

Every month, the "Spotlight On" highlights the activities of a different 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the tri-state region (NY, NJ, or CT). The selection of organizations for the "Spotlight On" is based on criteria such as programmatic interests, geographic focus, and size, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the region's nonprofit sector.

If you'd like to see your NPO in the "Spotlight," please use this submission form to send us a profile of your organization. Or e-mail a description of your organization, following the above format, to NYWeb@foundationcenter.org, with "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line.