Program Overview and Purpose of Allocation

FutureReadyNYC (FRNYC) builds strong college and career pathways tied to in-demand jobs in specific occupations like healthcare, education, and technology. Participating schools receive funding to provide five key student experiences, referred to as five pillars of FutureReadyNYC: (1) career-connected instruction, (2) financial literacy, (3) early college credit and/or an industry-recognized credentials, (4) paid work-based learning, and (5) personalized college and career advising.

Eligibility and Requirements

Schools receiving FRNYC funding are selected through a competitive process. To take part, schools must commit at least 25 tenth graders to FRNYC coursework and programming. District 75 and Transfer schools commit 12 to 18 students per grade or cohort. Schools must also deliver college and career advising, financial literacy, and the 9th grade career exploration course to all students in the school. Schools that do not meet FRNYC designation requirements may be removed from the program..

Allocation Methodology

The amount each school receives is based on the grade-level enrollment numbers it committed to serving during the Spring 2026 Quality Implementation and Planning (QIP) process. Schools that miss their enrollment targets by Fall 2026 may have funding reduced.

First Year Implementation Schools: Cohort 5 schools start FRNYC in the 2026-27 school year and are first-year schools. Each one will receive ~$115,000 to launch and run the program. With this funding, schools must support all 9th graders in completing universal FRNYC expectations and at least 25 10th graders in FRNYC programming and coursework. The funding covers start-up costs and full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing for new coursework and for coordinating WBL and early college classes.

Full Implementation Schools: Full implementation schools will be funded on a per-student basis. As noted in previous communications, full implementation schools will be expected to absorb the instructional costs of FRNYC in their school budgets. This funding is calculated to support:

  • ~100% of an FTE work-based learning and early college credit coordinator at a ratio of 125 students:1 for schools based on projected FRNYC enrollment for FY27. For additional guidance, please the Pathways / FutureReadyNYC Optional Staffing Guidance for Schools.

    • Funding is on a per-pupil basis (based on student enrollment commitments made during the spring 2026 QIP process) to support FRNYC activities, particularly work-based learning and early college credits, with an amount per student of ~ $1,200.

  • Funding for per session and OTPS to support program implementation.

  • $50,000 in one-time funding for schools starting new pathways in addition to maintaining current pathway(s).

  • $10,000 to HVAC and healthcare schools for consumables.

  • For FY27, there will be no separate school allocation to support youth apprenticeships. Schools that offer apprenticeship opportunities through CareerWise will use FRNYC funding to support youth apprenticeship as part of their overall career-connected learning program.

  • Funding minimums/maximums:

    • Schools will receive no less than $115,000, and all schools will receive a minimum of 1 FTE equivalent to support program management; however, this funding is contingent on meeting student enrollment expectations as confirmed during the spring 2026 QIP process. Programs that are significantly under-enrolled may be subject to funding adjustments to ensure resources are aligned to programs operating at appropriate scale

    • District 75 and Transfer schools that submitted a range of projected student enrollment during the spring 2026 QIP process will receive funding based on the midpoint of the submitted range.

    • Large schools and/or schools with multiple pathways receive no more than $610,000 in total across FRNYC and CCA allocations combined. 

    • CTE dedicated schools and portfolio schools receive $50,000 through Fair Student Funding (FSF) and are still subject to implementing all requirements of the program for all projected students to maintain participation in FRNYC.

Funds appear in school budgets under allocation categories TL Student Pathways FRNYC (CW) and Title IV Student Pathways FRNYC (CW). All FutureReadyNYC schools (cohorts 1-5) also receive an allocation to fund delivery of personalized college and career advising to all students under allocation category TL Student Pathways FRNYC Advising (CW).

Allowable Uses of Funds

Funds may be used for the following:

  • Staff salaries for teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, parent coordinators, community coordinators, social workers, paraprofessionals, and staff identified as FRNYC Team Leads

  • Direct student services providers to add and build capacity for programming a 9-12 sequence of planning activities that align with the NYCPS Career Navigation Roadmap, such as delivery of WBL career exploration and awareness activities, college and career advising, or Instructional and advising resources to support college and career planning activities with students

  • Professional Staff Development and upskilling opportunities for staff to teach career-connected instruction courses and work-based learning management

  • Industry-validated curriculum and credential fees

  • Per diem to fund substitute teachers and/or single-period coverages to support teachers' attendance at during-the-school-day professional learning experiences and pathway-related meetings

  • Equipment necessary for successful implementation of pathways, plus maintenance and repair

  • Supplies and materials

  • Fees for Virtual Learning Classrooms (VLC) to implement classes aligned to FRNYC, including early college credit and financial literacy, as well as per session or 6th period coverage pay for staff members supervising VLC FRNYC classes in person

  • Fees and partnership costs associated with external providers (e.g., NEON) to deliver early college credit-bearing coursework, including dual enrollment courses, aligned to FRNYC pathways and required Early College Credit (ECC) Key Implementation Measures

In an effort to provide effective fiscal oversight, the Office of Student Pathways' Finance and Operations Team will conduct quarterly  expenditure reviews to ensure that funding is being used for the stated purposes and is on target for 100% utilization. FRNYC schools that do not follow allowable funds use may be subject to suspension or revocation of funds tied to implementation of each of these programs. Schools should work with their designated Budget Director and Procurement Analysts to schedule, commit, and spend their allocated funds as per allowable uses of funds above.

Note: Funds from this allocation cannot be used to cover student stipends, student wages, or capital improvements.