As numerous seniors contemplate their post-graduation plans, this edition of P.S. Weekly presents a glimpse into the strategies of two students as they prepare for life after high school.
Over the years, the Education Department has emphasized the importance of preparing students for higher education as Chancellor David Banks highlights. However, the focus is shifting towards exposing students to the workplace even before they graduate, recognizing the significance of practical work experience in today’s job market.
The initial segment, crafted by student producer Christian Rojas Linares, delves into a novel apprenticeship initiative through the perspective of Heidy Torres, a high school junior engaged in a 16-hour weekly commitment at Bloomberg, a prominent finance and media corporation. The Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship program aims to provide approximately 3,000 slots over three years, offering students immersive work opportunities that extend beyond the confines of high school.
For Heidy, this program serves as a catalyst for contemplating her future career path. She articulates, “Apart from the financial aspect, it also helps you discern whether this is the right fit for you or not. It broadens your horizons and provides a fresh outlook.”
The subsequent segment shines a spotlight on a student, Alex Calafiura, who has invested substantial effort in gaining admission to a prestigious college by submitting applications to 23 institutions along with 50 supplemental essays. Student producer Marcellino Melika engages in a conversation with Alex, a senior at Manhattan’s East Side Community High School, unraveling his approach to this daunting application process and the rationale behind applying to numerous schools.
Alex elucidates, “Given the lack of transparency regarding the preferences of admission committees at these institutions, the strategy is to cast a wide net and apply to as many schools as possible.” (Alex previously shared his insights on this experience with Chalkbeat.)
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