The CYD Career Academy is a workforce development program for young adults 16–24 who are ready to build a career in healthcare. Run by CYD NYC, funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development, and built around one principle: remove every barrier so the student can focus on finishing.
The CYD Career Academy
ABOUT THE CYD CAREER ACADEMY
A free pathway into the NYC healthcare workforce.
OUR MISSION
Forging paths to success.
The CYD Career Academy exists to connect young New Yorkers to real, sustainable careers in healthcare. We work with out-of-school youth across the five boroughs, combining the youth development expertise of CYD NYC, the instructional expertise of BMCC, and direct employer input on what it takes to succeed in a healthcare career.
We’re a program of Comprehensive Youth Development, a NYC nonprofit with decades of experience serving young people. CYD is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
OUR HISTORY
Over a decade in NYC healthcare training.
The CYD Career Academy has been preparing young New Yorkers for careers in healthcare for more than ten years. [ MORE HISTORY CONTENT WILL GO HERE ]
PROGRAM MODEL
How The CYD Career Academy works:
Every student moves through three phases. The structure is consistent across all three Allied Health training tracks at BMCC.
[ OPTION – ADD BACKGROUND OR BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO CLARIFY WHAT “3 TRACKS” MEANS? ]
PHASE 1:
Bridge Program
Introduction to healthcare, medical terminology, work readiness, financial literacy, and customer service. Taught at BMCC with PCDC delivering Introduction to Healthcare and Patient Care Coordination.
PHASE 2:
Occupational training
Intensive 3–6 month certification training delivered by BMCC in your chosen Allied Health track — Central Sterile Processing, Phlebotomy & EKG, or Medical Billing & Coding. Includes Basic Life Support certification.
PHASE 3:
Internship & placement
Paid internship — up to 150 hours at $18/hour — at a NYC clinic, private practice, or urgent care facility. BMCC matches you to a site based on your track and skill level. Job development support continues through placement and for one year after you exit.
BY THE NUMBERS
Over a decade of results.
250+
Young people trained as healthcare professionals
60%
Of graduates now employed in the healthcare sector
3
Allied Health certification tracks — CSP · Phlebotomy & EKG · MBC
MEET THE TEAM
The people behind The CYD Career Academy.
Every student has a real team behind them. Here’s who you’ll work with from day one through job placement and beyond.
Sandra Morales
DIRECTOR
Sandra has been Director of The CYD Career Academy since its inception and brings over 30 years of experience working with young adults in New York City.
- MSW, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College
- BA in Sociology, Wesleyan University
Sandra Morales
DIRECTOR
Sandra has been Director of The CYD Career Academy since its inception and brings over 30 years of experience working with young adults in New York City.
- MSW, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College
- BA in Sociology, Wesleyan University
Sandra Morales
DIRECTOR
Sandra has been Director of The CYD Career Academy since its inception and brings over 30 years of experience working with young adults in New York City.
- MSW, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College
- BA in Sociology, Wesleyan University
Sandra Morales
DIRECTOR
Sandra has been Director of The CYD Career Academy since its inception and brings over 30 years of experience working with young adults in New York City.
- MSW, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College
- BA in Sociology, Wesleyan University
Sandra Morales
DIRECTOR
Sandra has been Director of The CYD Career Academy since its inception and brings over 30 years of experience working with young adults in New York City.
- MSW, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College
- BA in Sociology, Wesleyan University
Sandra Morales
DIRECTOR
Sandra has been Director of The CYD Career Academy since its inception and brings over 30 years of experience working with young adults in New York City.
- MSW, Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College
- BA in Sociology, Wesleyan University
STUDENT STORIES
In their own words.
The CYD Career Academy graduates working in NYC hospitals, clinics, and healthcare networks across the five boroughs.
CENTRAL STERILE PROCESSING
"I came in with no healthcare experience. Six months later I'm working at a hospital in the Bronx."
Graduate name
CSP Tech · CYD Career Academy graduate
PHLEBOTOMY & EKG
"My case manager called me the morning I missed class. That's when I knew this program was different."
Graduate name
CSP Tech · CYD Career Academy graduate
MEDICAL BILLING & CODING
"The CYD Career Academy paid for everything. I just had to show up and finish. Now I have a career."
Graduate name
CSP Tech · CYD Career Academy graduate
Ready to start?
See if you qualify.
We’ll tell you if The CYD Career Academy is the right fit — right now.
