Kozi Knights (left) presenting her math portfolio, which explored
surface area and how it relates to efficient use of space.

CDI and our partner school City-As-School (CAS), a New York City public transfer high school, are working together to prepare our students for life after high school with hands-on experiences. CAS serves older, under-credited students who spend half their week in the classroom and the other half in internships across the city.

In order to graduate, students must complete portfolio papers and defend their work to a panel of educators. They must also complete a Post-secondary plan with the help of CDI’s college and career advisors, thinking through and writing out a comprehensive plan for life after high school. Through this approach, CAS aims to challenge students to think critically, plan for the future and learn how to write a strong paper and articulate its ideas in a professional setting.

Kozi’s presentation addressed the geometric concept of “inefficient cylinders” – a common term in the packaging industry that seeks to determine the most cost-efficient use of space when packaging materials. Students are graded not only on the quality of their papers, but their level of preparedness and how well they’re able to present. Kozi, who recently spoke at our Youth Perspectives forum to a room full of educational leaders, is used to speaking publicly and was well prepared.

The preparation that goes into these comprehensive final projects helps to ready students for what comes after high school – whether that’s college or entering the workforce.