The Way to Work Today

At The Way To Work, formerly Vocational Foundation, Inc., we are committed to empowering New York City’s young adults with the tools needed to achieve their highest potential. We create lasting impact through our comprehensive, individualized approach to career training, GED preparation, professional and personal counseling, job placement and retention services.  Our name has changed but our mission remains stronger than ever. 

In 1936, a young idealistic lawyer named Walter N. Thayer founded The Way to Work (TWTW) after graduating from Yale Law School.  He decided to set up a small school in his two-room New York City apartment to help young men leaving prison get the basic skills they needed to earn a GED, land a job and transition into becoming productive members of society.  

Since then, TWTW has built and maintained its reputation as one of the most successful youth workforce development programs in the nation. Today, we provide men and women ages 17-21 with the skills and support they need to pursue successful careers.

Located in the heart of New York City’s financial district, TWTW’s training facility simulates the culture of a professional workplace and stimulates our clients’ desires to succeed.  Our program is holistic; our passionate staff doesn’t just teach clients the fundamentals for the working world, they encourage clients with support and high expectations to build on their unique assets. In turn, our alumni enhance New York City’s community in the growing sectors of healthcare, technology, finance, public safety, and customer service.

What sets TWTW apart is our long-term commitment to our clients. Our team of caring adult mentors provides program graduates with two years of follow up services, ensuring that clients not only keep their jobs, but also move up in their careers.

By investing in the future of our young people, we invest in the future of our city.

We are The Way To Work.  Visit our new website.

VFI in late 1940's/early '50s