The overall goal of the Workforce Education Center is to provide leadership in the development and offering of comprehensive high quality free or low cost short and long-term occupational skills training, targeted high school equivalency preparation and academic enhancement services to low income youth and adults representing the diverse communities of New York City. In order to facilitate the development and implementation of its programs, the institute is also committed to conducting research projects to assess the strengths and needs of individuals and communities served.

Target populations include, middle school, in-school, and out-of-school high school youth, unemployed and underemployed clerical and non-skilled workers, dislocated workers, displaced homemakers and welfare recipients. Emphasis is placed on empowering clients to develop computer literacy and transferable job skills in order to compete in an increasingly technological society.

Sponsored and non-paid internships, on-the-job work experiences and/or job placement are integral components of programs offered by the Workforce Education Center.

Specific efforts are made to form strong partnerships with community-based organizations, and public and private agencies in order to maximize resources and better serve clients.