Strong turnout at BCS job and resource fair amid immigration tensions

The Brooklyn Community Services Education Center kicked off its first all-ages job and resource fair in Sunset Park in early February at 132 32nd Street.

Frigid winter weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of job seekers. Shortly after doors opened at 10 a.m., a line of applicants holding resumes stretched from the basement to the first floor.

Seven employers and 18 organizations from the private and public sectors, as well as NGOs, set up tables. More than 250 people attended, including students at the center and others from the community.

Located in the BRIQ building, the BCS Education Center provides adult education and workforce development services. Its Sunset Park location offers English and GED preparation classes, as well as job training.

According to Aaron Cooper, the center's deputy director, around 300 people are currently enrolled. Students come to practice English, build their resumes, and prepare for employment.

While improving employment prospects is the main driver for enrollment, it is not the only reason. Some students want to earn high school equivalency diplomas to help with their children’s homework, while others view it as self-enrichment.

The center does not ask students about their immigration status. However, when students request support, the center provides referrals to legal aid groups.

With nearly half of the students having arrived in the U.S. within the past two years and some being undocumented, staff acknowledged that fear is constant.

When the Trump administration first took office, students were afraid to come to classes. Amani Janini, an ESL teacher, said a student approached her last year to express concerns. However, she said the overall mood remains enthusiastic.

Janini noted that her students show the same commitment now as when she started teaching at the center in 2022. “Students are very enthusiastic about the classes. They know that they need the stuff to get somewhere and they have the commitment necessary to do it,” Janini said. Cooper added that people are resilient and are finding ways to manage.

Last year’s job market was sluggish, and job growth in 2025 was the lowest in five years. However, despite macroeconomic concerns, hiring in factory, service, and hospitality work has remained steady in Sunset Park, Zuzanne Nomura, coordinator for the BCS Family Welcome Center and Summer Youth Employment Program, said.

Local businesses attended the fair looking to hire from the neighborhood. Amir Hossain, regional manager of Japan Village, was hiring for a new barbecue restaurant and planned to hire about 10 people, including a manager and servers. By 11:30 a.m., he had already collected over 20 resumes.

“I think I’ve found the right fit,” he said. “I’ve been working in this business for over 16 years. I know the right person when I see them. I can feel the energy.”

Quan Sheng Zhang, an English student stopping by the break room for a caffeine boost, said she is interested in job offerings from the Office of Food & Nutrition Services under the NYC Public Schools. The assistant supervisor of the office, Brittany Saffold, noted their hiring hasn’t been affected by the changes in the job market and they are looking to hire 100 people for their current spring cohort.

BCS also organizes monthly food distributions. Waiting in line for food, Rina, a student at the center, said she received a job offer today as a seamstress.

“The recruiter told me to go to the interview on Saturday and I can start working on Monday,” she said, smiling as she picked up a bag of fresh produce.

The strong turnout at the event boosted staff confidence, and they plan to organize another youth employment fair, for seekers up to age 24, in April.