NYC Talent funded · StudentUnion SpectrumU

From Classroom to Career, by Design.

An integrated K–12 to employment pipeline that expands career preparation and work-based learning for students with disabilities, neurodivergent youth, justice-impacted youth, and students in temporary housing.

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Integrated Components
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Grade Levels Served (K–12+)
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Transition Support Through Age 21+
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Aligned to NYC + NYS Standards
A Closed-Loop System

Three Integrated Pathways Components

Pathways isn't a single intervention. It's a coordinated system aligning student preparation, employer capacity, and apprenticeship outcomes across the full K–12-to-employment pipeline.

K–12 Pathways to Pre-Apprenticeship

A universal, student-facing pipeline that prepares SWD for every WBL and pre-apprenticeship opportunity through progressive career exposure, skill-building, and structured experiences.

Student-Facing

Graphic Arts Apprenticeship Pathway

An occupation-specific pathway engaging students in applied, industry-aligned training in Graphic Arts — preparing them for WBL and pre-apprenticeship in a high-demand, accessible sector.

Occupation-Specific

Ready to RAP

An employer-facing system that builds capacity among NYC employers to begin or expand hosting of WBL, pre-apprenticeships, and registered apprenticeships — including placements that require specific supports and accommodations.

Employer-Facing
Developmentally Sequenced

A Coherent K–12 Progression

Students move intentionally from awareness to exploration, preparation, and ultimately workforce entry — with experiences that grow in depth as they grow.

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K – 5

Career Awareness

Understand the purpose of work; build foundational academic, social, and communication skills.

2
6 – 8

Career Exploration

Job shadowing, mentorship, and project-based learning tied to real industries and strengths.

3
9 – 12

Career Preparation & WBL

Internships, applied projects, and employer-connected experiences — credit-bearing and credential-aligned.

4
12 – 21+

Apprenticeship & Beyond

Pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and long-term supports via OPWDD and CCO Life Plans.

Designed for Real Outcomes

Built to Align — Not to Add Burden

Pathways integrates into existing NYC and NYS accountability systems, reducing complexity while prioritizing real WBL and employment outcomes.

CDOS, CTE & WBL Aligned

All activities map to CDOS standards, CTE program requirements, and NYCDOE-approved WBL activities — supporting endorsements and credentials.

NYSED-Ready Documentation

Training plans, supervisor evaluations (midpoint and final), and verified hour tracking — so participation counts toward formal WBL and credentialing requirements.

OPWDD & CCO Integration

WBL goals are formally captured in the CCO Life Plan, unlocking access to state-funded supports like job coaching after graduation.

Earn-and-Learn Pathways

Students transition into pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships connected to in-demand occupations and living-wage careers.

Pathway Portfolio

A unified system of record that captures student work, WBL artifacts, and career readiness milestones — supporting credentialing without duplication.

Implementation Support

Professional development, IEP-aligned guidance, and compliance support so schools can deliver rigorous career-connected learning with confidence.

A Single System of Record

The Pathway Portfolio

A student-facing progression tool and compliance-ready system rolled into one. It eliminates duplicate paperwork while giving every student a living record of their growth.

The portfolio captures student work and skill progression, WBL artifacts (training plans, evaluations, logs), and career readiness milestones and reflections — creating one aligned documentation system that supports credentialing, reporting, and student growth.

See how it works
WBL Training PlanGraphic Arts Internship · Spring 2026
Complete
Supervisor EvaluationMidpoint review submitted
Complete
CDOS Skill ReflectionCommunication · Problem-solving
Complete
CCO Life Plan SyncWBL goals recorded with OPWDD
Complete
Equity at the Core

Designed for Historically Underserved Youth

Pathways combines high-quality WBL experiences with wraparound supports, employer connections, and system navigation — ensuring equitable access to real careers.

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Students with Disabilities

Including neurodivergent youth, with accommodations and supports built into every stage of the pipeline.

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Justice-Impacted Youth

Career pathways designed with the support structures needed for reentry, growth, and long-term success.

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Students in Temporary Housing

Stable, structured career exposure and WBL opportunities that move with the student, not against them.

Join the Pathway from Classroom to Career.

Whether you're a school, employer, family, or policymaker — there's a role for you in building NYC's most equitable workforce pipeline.

Get in touch