NEWYORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos celebrated a milestone of over $18 million paid to students through apprenticeships and work-based learning over the past three years of the Adams administration. New York City’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs – which have been a part of the curriculum at New York City Public Schools for the past 120 years – have evolved to meet the changing needs of the city’s workforce, providing students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and direct pathways to careers and higher education.
The announcement to help the city’s youngest New Yorkers prepare for employment opportunities, comes as the city recently celebrated breaking the all-time high jobs record for the eighth time under the Adams administration alone, as well as drop in unemployment across all demographic groups since the start of the Adams administration.
“Public education is one of the most important ways we can support our New York City families, and paid work experience is an important part of that education,” said Mayor Adams.
“Our administration is focused on giving our students the real-world experience they need to succeed when they enter the workforce, that’s why over the course of our administration, we have helped young people earn a record total of over $18 million in paid apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities. As we celebrate 120 years of providing career and technical education at our city’s public schools, we commit to ensuring our leaders of tomorrow have what they need to achieve economic opportunity. Our mission is to keep New York City the greatest city in the world and the best place to raise a family, and with announcements like this, we are delivering on building family-sustaining careers today and for future generations to come.”
“For 120 years, New York City Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education programs have opened doors to economic mobility, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to thrive,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos.
“As we look to the future, we remain committed to strengthening these programs and ensuring all students have access to career-connected learning.”
The Adams administration continues to deliver on its commitment preparing students for success in high-demand industries with over 290 CTE programs in fields including fashion design, culinary arts, automotive technology, health care, business, technology, education, and more. In partnership with industry stakeholders, students gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships that prepare them for the competitive job market.
Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the city has made unprecedented investments in supporting young people on their path to career success.
In 2022, the Adams administration introduced FutureReadNYC, which bridges career exploration in high-growth, high-wage occupations with opportunities for students to earn industry credentials, gain hands-on work experience, be exposed to rigorous academics, and access early college credits, as well as receive personalized advising from counselors and advisors.
There are currently 135 schools participating in FutureReadyNYC, with support from Northwell Health, Google, Mount Sinai, and Memorial Sloan Kettering as anchor partners.
Mayor Adams recently announced an expansion of the FutureReadyNYC program to reach 15,000 students and develop CTE pathways in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and decarbonization. A total of 60 FutureReadyNYC schools offer CTE programs side-by-side with their FutureReadyNYC programming.
In 2023, Mayor Adams introduced a $600-million, young-adult action plan, “pathways to an inclusive economy: an action plan for young adult career success,” aimed at addressing longstanding inequities in employment.
This comprehensive plan focuses on integrating career readiness, work-based learning, and apprenticeships into programs that empower young adults.
Recently, Mayor Adams announced a $12 million expansion of the city university of New York (CUNY) inclusive economy initiative, an impactful program that strengthens college-to-career pathways for CUNY students. The city has also provided funding for over 2,000 college students through CUNY career launch, cultural corps and various city internships.
“CTE is a vital tool to uplift our fellow New Yorkers, giving them the freedom to stand on their own two feet,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.
“Through the dedication of New York City Public Schools, our young people have earned over $18 million from apprenticeships and work-based learning, putting money in their pockets for food on the table and a roof over their heads. Most importantly, CTE provides thousands of future leaders with the skills needed for in-demand and rewarding careers, setting them on a smooth path to success. At a time when our city boasts a record number of jobs, we will ensure all New Yorkers reap the benefits of our red hot job market.”
