Are you graduating this month? What if, before graduating, you had the chance to earn money and maybe even some college credit, all while still in high school? Our participants in CASW’s “Learn and Earn” program are currently living that dream, and as we prepare to send off this cohort’s high school seniors into the next phase of their lives, we HAD to stop and celebrate all they’ve accomplished this year. After all, building a future looks a lot like exploring and pursuing academic interests – and that type of exposure is invaluable at any age, let alone during high school.
It’s not often that you get to kick off career exploration, begin your collegiate experience, and earn money at the same time, so CASW is giving an exclusive scoop on what the program was like for the class of 2026! (Para leer en español, haga clic aquí.)
What is Learn and Earn? How Does it Benefit NYC High School Students?
To understand just how impressive the accomplishments of these high school seniors are, it’s necessary to know just what Learn and Earn is. At its core, Learn and Earn is a career exploration and academic support program targeted towards high school juniors and seniors. The program provides work-readiness training, culminates in a six-week paid internship, and includes academic support, assistance with college applications, and leadership activities. Up until this point, students have mainly contemplated their careers from the vantage point of the classroom: Mainly, what their college major should be, the SAT, what their best subjects are, etc. Learn and Earn seeks to bridge the gap between that and the next phase, which is hands-on, real-world experience.
In giving high schoolers their first taste of the working world, Learn and Earn provides students with clarity and direction as they prepare for college!
Learn and Earn Graduation Ceremony at Boone Ave
Knowing the work and dedication that goes into the program, it was a pleasure to celebrate our graduating seniors, many of whom have been with us since they were juniors! Our event at Boone Avenue was meant to recognize how far they’ve come and celebrate the unique futures they’re building. So we held a mini “graduation” ceremony to celebrate all they’ve learned and recognize their achievements. Participants had the opportunity to catch up with friends and mentors, and were even presented with their own certificates to mark the completion of the program.
We know this is only the beginning for these talented young people, and CASW will be there to support them in whatever they do next.
