On Tuesday, April 16, CYD’s students spoke – and city leaders listened and responded – at our first Youth Perspectives forum since the pandemic. Youth Perspectives gives young people a platform to speak directly to policymakers, educators, and funders about the issues of greatest concern to them. This year’s event took place at Goldman Sachs and centered on preparation for life after high school. Students and alumni from Manhattan Comprehensive Night & Day High School, City-As-School, The High School for Health Professions and Human Services, and the CYD Career Academy spoke eloquently and courageously about their personal experiences and what kinds of services were most helpful to them. Some key points:

• Young people need to learn computer science in school in order to succeed in college and employment.
• Students need more paid internship opportunities.
• Students in all high schools would benefit from onsite college and career offices like CYD’s.

CYD was delighted to welcome Borough President Mark Levine, who delivered a keynote speech in which he spoke about the importance of the DOE’s Learning to Work programming, which enables older high school students to participate in paid internships and learn workplace skills; and the need for up-to-date technology training in public schools.

CYD Career Academy alumna and staff member Michelle Maldonado, who recently earned her RN degree, spoke about what preparation at the high school level might have made a crucial difference before she came to CYD.

A distinguished group of city leaders responded to the youth panel:

• Deirdre Duke, Senior Advisor, Labor Relations, Northwell Health, spoke about entry-level opportunities in the healthcare field for young people.
• Sunil Gupta, Vice President for the Division of Adult Continuing Education and Workforce Development, LaGuardia Community College, was excited to say that LaGuardia has many training programs – and in fact our student panelist Valeria, an MCNDHS graduate, is currently pursuing a Medical Assistant certification there.
• Kristen Harris, Executive Director of College and Career Planning Team, Office of Student Pathways, NYC Public Schools, conveyed the Chancellor’s message of expanded options in both college and career development, and told students that resources are available throughout the city to help with this year’s FAFSA.
• Marjorie Parker, President and CEO, JobsFirstNYC, explained that at least some postsecondary education is a prerequisite for most 21st century employment, and highlighted growth in the green economy sector.
• Abby Jo Sigal, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Workforce and Talent Development, shared the exciting news that the city is committed to developing apprenticeships for young people.
• Angel Vasquez, Governor’s Deputy Secretary for Downstate Intergovernmental Affairs, affirmed Governor Hochul’s commitment to young people developing 21st century skills for work, and announced a new initiative: CUNY will send a welcome letter to every graduating NYC senior informing them that they are guaranteed admission.
• Anthony Watson, Executive Director, SUNY Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center, praised the courage of the students who spoke, and was happy to say that there are many postsecondary educational opportunities at the MEOC for the city’s graduating high school students.

CYD will be sharing a report later this spring based on Youth Perspectives capturing best practices in preparation for high school students. Executive Director Michael Roberts continued to ask leaders to work together to find solutions to help young people develop clear postsecondary pathways to success, and is grateful to all who participated, especially the young people, for making Youth Perspectives an inspiring day that expanded the essential conversation about youth preparation in NYC schools.

View event photo gallery >>