New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the “Action Plan for Young Adult Career Success” on Monday, December 10th, marking an important stride towards creating inclusive career pathways for the city’s youth.
This ambitious initiative, backed by a $600 million investment, aims to open new doors for over 250,000 young residents by enhancing their educational and bolstering career success through employment opportunities.
Central to the plan is forming strategic alliances between private firms and public entities.
This collaboration is designed to equip students with practical experience, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce as they begin their careers.
Adams emphasized that these initiatives offer dual benefits: they assist New York residents in advancing their careers and supply local companies with a rich pool of homegrown talent.
“Our ‘Working People’s Tour’ is focused on making sure our economy works for all New Yorkers – especially our young people – and helps them find the network, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in an ever-changing world,” Adams stated.
He added that the initiative continues the city’s efforts to recover almost one million jobs lost during the pandemic.
The plan includes several key components:
Expansion of Career-Connected Learning: The initiative emphasizes career-connected learning at every stage of a young person’s journey, including academics, career exploration, training, internships, and apprenticeships.
Early Interventions: This focuses on keeping youth and young adults engaged, especially during critical transitions from school to further education and work.
Re-engagement of Out-of-School Youth: Targeting young individuals currently out of school and work, this component offers specialized outreach and services.
Improved Data Collection and Analytics: By focusing on data, the plan aims to enhance transitions, drive continuous improvement, and tackle historical educational and employment disparities.
Comprehensive Employer Engagement Strategy: This aims to foster and expand employer involvement to develop talent and ensure access to career experiences and full-time employment opportunities.
A significant portion of the funds is allocated to expand City University of New York (CUNY) campuses. Additionally, the plan includes giving $130 million in federal funding to train New Yorkers in rapidly growing sectors, including partnerships with businesses in the South Bronx.
The initiative also introduces technology apprenticeships in collaboration with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, targeting those out of school or unemployed with valuable skills for stable employment.
Key programs like the Summer Youth Employment and Summer Rising will see expansion under this initiative.
First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright expressed the administration’s commitment to engaging with young individuals at different stages of their career journey.
“The historic commitment in career pathways will shape our workforce for generations, ensuring everyone has a pathway to thrive in our city,” Wright said.
New York City Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks said, “It is paramount that we give our young people the bright starts that will lead them to bold futures.”
The city is investing $10 million to expand CUNY 2x Tech to five new campuses, including community colleges such as Baruch College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City Tech, Guttman Community College, and LaGuardia Community College.
Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana Almanzar commented, “Our city’s future depends on our efforts today to prepare our young people for an ever-changing economy. New York City’s future is brighter than ever.”
Additionally, the city government has launched College Choice in partnership with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). This program offers college students in foster care substantial support, including up to $15,000 per year towards tuition and assistance with room and board costs.
Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer remarked, “This action plan is a roadmap to realizing our ambition of connecting our youth to family-sustaining career opportunities. It exemplifies our commitment to follow through.”
