Melissa Aviles-Ramos set to present at our Education in NY event on our website
New York City Public Schools are taking significant strides to prepare students for both career and emotional success, with a focus on integrating technology, career readiness, social-emotional learning (SEL), and various support initiatives.
Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will be discussing the work on New York City Reads and New York City Solves, along with other key initiatives, at an upcoming summit.
In the realm of career readiness, the city is driving the FutureReadyNYC initiative in over 130 high schools. This programme offers students direct exposure to careers through internships, apprenticeships, and wage-earning opportunities while still in school. The aim is to make college and career paths more tangible, especially for first-generation students, and to help them earn money while gaining experience without the barriers unpaid opportunities create.
Regarding social-emotional support, the city is emphasising SEL programmes that nurture self-awareness, resilience, empathy, collaboration, and responsible decision-making. These programmes are integral to creating a supportive school environment that prepares students for academic, social, and future life challenges. NYC schools are focusing on building emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills through structured group activities and holistic educational philosophies akin to "Inside-Out Schools," which stress emotional well-being as essential for success in school and life.
The use of technology in classrooms is also being prioritised to support student learning. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos and other school leaders view technology as a key tool to enhance career readiness and social-emotional learning experiences, providing access to resources, interactive programs, and real-world career exploration that are aligned with students' paths and needs.
Additional initiatives linked to supporting students include a major literacy overhaul ("NYC Reads") and math programs ("NYC Solves"), as well as investments in reducing class sizes, increasing funding for social workers, and expanding arts and special education services — all of which contribute to a holistic approach supporting both academic and personal development.
The comprehensive strategy reflects NYC Public Schools' commitment to preparing students for both career and emotional success, leveraging technology as an important facilitator. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos has emphasised the importance of preparing students not only as consumers of technology but also as producers, fostering innovation and creativity.
The initiative will focus on providing students with necessary technological tools for learning and ensuring these tools are aligned with educational standards and have a positive impact. This work was launched a few years ago and was considered important to Mayor Adams and Chancellor David Banks. Since becoming chancellor, Aviles-Ramos has committed to moving this work forward.
The chancellor plans to work closely with principals, superintendents, and vendors to implement supplemental and intervention programmes for students. The education system aims to prepare students for the workforce, but more needs to be done to ensure students are adequately prepared for careers in various fields.
The initiative aims to ensure students' safety and well-being, as it is believed that these factors impact the effectiveness of academic work. The chancellor is looking forward to reconvening the AI Advisory Council to discuss the use of AI and other technologies in education, focusing on cultural responsiveness, responsible use, career readiness, and productivity in the classroom. The event is scheduled for the following week.
NYCPS Cares, a recent initiative launched by the chancellor, aims to support academic work by addressing social-emotional needs of students. The most recent screener data indicates that the work is moving in the right direction.
Melissa Aviles-Ramos will be delivering a keynote speech at the "Education in New York: Shaping Tomorrow's Schools Through Innovation" summit next Thursday. The summit promises to be a platform for discussion and collaboration, as educators and leaders come together to shape the future of education in New York City.
- The New York City Public Schools' comprehensive strategy, led by Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, focuses not only on career readiness but also on personal growth and self-development through initiatives like NYCPS Cares, which addresses social-emotional needs of students.
- In addition to the FutureReadyNYC initiative promoting learning opportunities and career exposure through internships, apprenticeships, and wage-earning chances, NYC schools are integrating technology to facilitate both career readiness and personal growth, with a focus on building students' emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
