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Impact

Throughout over 30 years of working closely in partnership with New York City public schools, New Visions for Public Schools recognized the critical importance of authentic work-based learning opportunities for high school students.

We identified a significant gap in the career readiness programs available to historically underserved young people in our schools; students did not experience in-depth opportunities to interact with employers, learn about jobs, and develop and practice the career readiness skills that equip students to develop a postsecondary plan so they graduate well-prepared for their next steps. Now, we're part of the solution - and you can be, too.

Over the past 3 years, the Career Academies have kindled the career aspirations of over 1,000 students across 43 NYC public schools.

93% of students said that they feel more prepared for their future after the Career Academy.

96%

of Academy students reported that they had a better understanding of career pathways and career navigation within the Academy industry.

100%

of Academy students reported that they learned collaboration and professional communication skills.

93%

of Academy students reported growth in their basic financial literacy skills related to paychecks, personal banking, and financial decision-making.

99%

of Academy students reported that they understand the norms and values of professional networking, and how to use their personal and community networks to help them reach their goals.

Hear from Student Alumni

Annie Zhu

My name is Annie Zhu, and I am an alum of New Dorp High School. During my high school years, I had the fantastic opportunity to be a part of the Lazard - New Visions Career Academy.

Julie Vukaj

My name is Julie Vukaj, and as a rising High school sophomore in 2020, I was completing my online classes when I received an email invitation to apply to the Lazard - New Visions 2021 Summer Academy.

"From this experience, the most significant lesson learned was the power of working as a group. The experience also provided me with financial knowledge that helps guide my daily decisions."

Sethri Asamoah-Nani, former Centerview Academy Student

Senior at East Bronx Academy for the Future

"I learned about networking skills and how to apply this knowledge and make myself more marketable in the workforce."

David Santiago, former Lazard Academy Student

Senior at World View High School

"The most significant lesson I learned is that it is never too early to begin investing. After my time at Lazard, I began investing in stocks and I wasn't afraid to because I realized that anyone can do it."

Julia Vukaj, former Lazard Academy Student

New Dorp High School

Career Academy Instructor Testimonials

“I have been raving to everyone in my school building about how great this program is. I really think the professional engagements added an integral layer to an already amazing curriculum. I, along with the students, enjoyed everyone's stories of how they came to be where they were and what their career entails. It was fascinating.”

Centerview Academy Instructor

“The highlight, as with any class, was observing the growth of the students, especially as it pertains to the Capstone. They start off so clueless and adrift and ultimately figure stuff out and even the least prepared group comes up with something that demonstrates they have learned something about working as a team and presenting.”

Lazard Academy Instructor

"I really enjoyed this program. I think it was organized very well. Everything tied together and the content was interesting for me and the students. I enjoyed the activities and the flexibility in turning the content into my own."