Mayor Adams celebrates 120 years of career, technical education at NYC public schools

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos last Thursday 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 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. They provide students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and direct pathways to careers and higher education.

Adams said Thursday’s announcement to help the city’s youngest New Yorkers prepare for employment came as the city recently celebrated breaking the all-time high jobs record for the eighth time under the administration alone, as well as a drop in unemployment across all demographic groups since the start of the 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,” he added. “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 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.”

Adams said his administration continues to deliver on its commitment to preparing students for success in high-demand industries. Over 290 CTE programs include fashion design, culinary arts, automotive technology, health care, business, technology, education, and more.

The mayor said that, in partnership with industry stakeholders, students gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships that prepare them for the competitive job market.

Adams said the city has made unprecedented investments in supporting young people on their path to career success.

In 2022, the Adams administration introduced FutureReadyNYC, 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, access early college credits, and receive personalized advising from counselors and advisors.

Adams said 135 schools are currently 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.

The mayor said 60 FutureReadyNYC schools offer CTE programs alongside their FutureReadyNYC programming.
In 2023, Adams introduced a $600-million young-adult action plan, “Pathways to an Inclusive Economy: An Action Plan for Young Adult Career Success,” to address longstanding employment inequities.

The mayor said this comprehensive plan focuses on integrating career readiness, work-based learning, and apprenticeships into programs that empower young adults.

Additionally, Adams said his administration has significantly expanded the Summer Youth Employment and Summer Rising programs, reaching a record number of over 100,000 young people, and, through the Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship program, with support from the New York City Jobs Council and CareerWise New York, the city has placed over 500 New York City Public School students in apprenticeships over the last three years.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the mayor said the city also funded over 11,000 internships or apprenticeships for high school students during the academic year through New York City Public Schools and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s “Work, Learn, and Grow” program.

Additionally, the mayor said his administration is on track to meet his 2023 State of the City goal of delivering 30,000 apprenticeships by 2030.