Dear Educators, 

I am thrilled that you will be participating in FutureReadyNYC during the 2024-25 school year. Our Pathways program is one of the most exciting and ambitious initiatives in our schools. It is central to our Bright Starts, Bold Futures mission for all students.

This work could not be more important or timely. Unemployment among 16- to 24-year-olds stands at 14.5% in New York City, compared to 9% in the rest of New York State and 8.5% nationally. This disparity is unacceptable, especially for a city with one of the largest and most vibrant economies in the world.

FutureReadyNYC has the power to uplift our kids and our city—to erase gaps...and then soar beyond. Students deserve real world opportunities to explore their individual passions and interests as they grow and prepare for their future. FutureReadyNYC schools are paving the way towards these Bold Futures by integrating five critical experiences into the school day pillars:

  • career-connected instruction in high-demand, high-wage fields like technology and healthcare,
  • personalized advising to ensure every student builds a strong future plan,
  • work-based learning that builds critical skills for work readiness,
  • financial literacy education to empower personal financial freedom, and
  • early college credits / job ready credentials to accelerate success in college and career.

FutureReadyNYC is about reimagining the student experience—we’re intent on making school more meaningful and relevant, helping students discover their passion and purpose, and making sure they see and feel the connection between education and a prosperous life.

We know we have a lot of hard work ahead as change of this scope and magnitude is not easy. This playbook is intended to help you rise to the challenges and to support you in your work. As we enter the third year of this transformational initiative, we welcome feedback from you on how we can provide students and staff with the best experience and outcomes possible.

Thank you for everything you do for our students, our families, and our city.

Sincerely,

Chancellor David C. Banks