Mayor Adams expands FutureReadyNYC to 15,000 students

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos announced a major expansion of FutureReadyNYC, the city’s flagship program designed to equip high school students with career-connected mentorships, job credentials, and paid internships.

The program will now serve 15,000 students across 135 schools, with two new career pathways introduced in HVAC and decarbonization, as well as human and social services.

“Education must prepare our young people for the 21st-century economy by helping them learn the skills they need to succeed,” said Mayor Adams.

“That is why we launched FutureReadyNYC in 2022, our signature program that connects students to rigorous, tailored coursework, real job credentials, and paid work-based learning. Today’s expansion ensures more students than ever will have the tools to secure good-paying careers, particularly in critical fields like sustainability and human services.”

Chancellor Aviles-Ramos highlighted the program’s transformative potential. “By introducing pathways in HVAC and decarbonization and human and social services, we’re not just preparing students for jobs—we’re empowering them to lead in industries shaping our city’s future. Together, we’re building a brighter, more equitable future for all New Yorkers,” she said.

FutureReadyNYC offers students real-world experiences, including early college credit, financial literacy, and work-based learning. With anchor partners like CUNY, SUNY, Northwell Health, and Google, the initiative connects students to mentors and paid internships. The program’s latest expansion is backed by a $53 million investment in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, including $30 million directly allocated to schools.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez praised the initiative, saying, “The sustained expansion of FutureReadyNYC is helping New York City build an economy that is truly inclusive and providing more opportunities for New Yorkers to thrive.” Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, called it “a game-changer,” adding, “FutureReadyNYC surpasses all past efforts to engage the city’s employers in preparing public school students for great careers.”

The new HVAC and decarbonization pathway is aligned with New York City’s climate goals, aiming to create a diverse workforce ready for 230,000 anticipated green-economy jobs by 2030. Courses will cover construction safety, electrical applications, and building decarbonization. The human and social services pathway focuses on mental health, counseling, and human development, supporting a growing need for skilled professionals in these areas.

Mayor Adams has prioritized creating equitable opportunities for young New Yorkers, launching initiatives like the $600 million “Pathways to an Inclusive Economy” plan and record-breaking expansions of the Summer Youth Employment and Summer Rising programs. In 2023, over 100,000 young people participated in these efforts. “In a city where 12 percent of young adults are neither in school nor employed, we must open the door to economic opportunity,” Adams said.

The FutureReadyNYC expansion continues the administration’s broader push to reimagine education and career readiness for a changing workforce. With this latest investment, Mayor Adams affirmed, “This is about developing talent and ensuring our students have the chance to shape the future of New York City.”