Pathway Pivot Slides NYC Career Express
Bridge to
Big Dreams
Navigating Post-Secondary Paths in New York
The NYC Education Landscape
CUNY & SUNY
Public university systems offering associate and bachelor's degrees right in your backyard.
Specialized Trade
Direct paths to careers like HVAC, Tech, Healthcare, and Electrical work in NYC.
Thousands of unique options within the 5 boroughs and beyond.
The Academic Path
Focus
Broad education including general studies, theory, and research.
Duration
Typically 2 years (Associate) or 4 years (Bachelor's).
Goal
Prepares for a wide range of professional careers or further study.
Think: Baruch, Hunter, NYU, Fordham, or SUNY Buffalo.
The Technical Path
Focus
Hands-on technical training for a specific job or industry.
Duration
Few months to 2 years. Faster entry into the workforce.
Goal
Immediate employment in skilled trades with specific certifications.
Think: Apex Technical, Lincoln Tech, or specialized programs like Commonpoint.
Case Study: Commonpoint
A unique path for "Opportunity Youth" (ages 16-24) to get free career training.
Medical Program
Become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Free training and certification.
Includes job placement assistance.
Construction Path
NCCER Certification & OSHA Training.
Hands-on carpentry and building skills.
Direct connection to union jobs.
Visit: www.commonpoint.org/program/opportunity-youth
The New York Advantage
Financial Support
Excelsior Scholarship (Tuition-free CUNY/SUNY)
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
Union-paid training (Apprenticeships)
Job Network
NYC is a global hub for Finance, Media, Tech, and the Trades. Your education here leads to direct local hire.
Your Mission
Research 4 Options in New York State.
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
Check out CUNY, SUNY, or programs like Commonpoint for your search!
Campus Compass Research Guide Campus Compass
NYC & NYS Post-Secondary Explorer
Phase 01
Explorer Name
Date
The Discovery Mission
New York is full of opportunity. Research four paths that interest you. These can be colleges (CUNY, SUNY, Private), trade schools (Apex, Lincoln Tech), or specialized vocational programs (Commonpoint Medical/Construction). Capture the essential data below.
Option 01
School / Program Name
Majors / Specialties Offered
Admissions Process & Requirements
Cost / Aid
Duration
Option 02
School / Program Name
Majors / Specialties Offered
Admissions Process & Requirements
Cost / Aid
Duration
Option 03
School / Program Name
Majors / Specialties Offered
Admissions Process & Requirements
Cost / Aid
Duration
Option 04
School / Program Name
Majors / Specialties Offered
Admissions Process & Requirements
Cost / Aid
Duration
Page 01 — Explorer Mode
The Verdict
Comparison & Future Planning
Phase 02
Explorer Name:
Contender Comparison
Option A:
Pros (The Best Parts)
Cons (The Challenges)
Option B:
Pros (The Best Parts)
Cons (The Challenges)
The Final Selection
Which of your researched options is your top pick right now? Why?
What is your "Next Move" (e.g., attending an open house, starting FAFSA)?
Bridge to Big Dreams • NYC Career Express
CUNY • SUNY • Trade • Commonpoint
Page 02 — Decision Phase
Future Filter Exit Ticket Future Filter
Exit Ticket: Lesson 1 Reflection
Bridge to Big Dreams
Explorer Name
Date
1 How confident do you feel about choosing your path right now? (Circle one)
1
Not Sure
2
3
Exploring
4
5
Decided
2 What are your top 3 criteria for picking an option?
3 What is one specific question you still have about your future path?
Great work today! Turn this in before you leave.
Future Filter
Exit Ticket: Lesson 1 Reflection
Bridge to Big Dreams
Explorer Name
Date
1 How confident do you feel about choosing your path right now? (Circle one)
1
Not Sure
2
3
Exploring
4
5
Decided
2 What are your top 3 criteria for picking an option?
3 What is one specific question you still have about your future path?
Great work today! Turn this in before you leave.
Facilitator Dispatch Teacher Guide Facilitator's Dispatch
Bridge to Big Dreams: Lesson Guide
Teacher Resource
Duration
90-120 Minutes
Grade Level
9-12 (Opportunity Youth Focus)
Subject
College & Career Readiness
Learning Objectives
Compare post-secondary pathways including 4-year college, community college, and trade programs in NY.Identify specialized NYC programs like Commonpoint Opportunity Youth training.Analyze admissions requirements and financial support (Excelsior, TAP).Synthesize research to select a top-priority path.
Materials Needed
Pathway Pivot Slide Deck
Campus Compass Guide (2 Pages)
Student Laptops/Devices for Research
Future Filter Exit Tickets
The Route Map (Agenda)
15
Phase 1: The Hook & Introduction
Present Pathway Pivot Slides . Discuss the "NYC Advantage"—why choosing a school within NYS/NYC often saves money (Excelsior/TAP) and connects better to local unions or companies.
20
Phase 2: Direct Instruction (Pathways)
Explain the difference between Academic (Broad focus, longer duration) vs. Technical/Vocational (Skill focus, faster entry). Deep dive into Commonpoint as a unique middle ground for students seeking free certification.
50
Phase 3: Campus Compass Research
Distribute Campus Compass Guides . Students use laptops to research 4 options. Teacher Role: Circulate and help students interpret "Admissions Requirements" (GPA vs. Certification exams).
15
Phase 4: Synthesis & Exit
Students complete Page 2 (Decision Matrix). Collect work. Distribute and collect Future Filter Exit Tickets to gauge immediate student sentiment.
Facilitation Toolkit
Discussion Prompts
Opening Question
"If you could have your dream job in NYC tomorrow without worrying about the cost of training, what would you be doing?"
The Trade Debate
"Why might someone choose a trade program like Commonpoint even if they have the grades to get into a 4-year college?"
Campus Compass Research Rubric Research Rubric
Campus Compass: Research & Comparison Project
Student Name
Final Score
/ 20
Category Excels (5) Meets (3) Developing (1) Research Quantity Four (4) distinct NYC/NYS schools or programs are thoroughly researched. Three (3) schools or programs are researched with basic info. Fewer than three options are explored or major details are missing. Data Specificity Specific program names, GPA/exam requirements, and clear costs are listed. General info is provided but lacks specific requirements or costs. Inaccurate or very vague information provided for each school. Critical Comparison Two paths (A & B) are weighed with 3+ specific pros and cons each. Paths are compared with 1-2 generic pros and cons. Comparison is incomplete or does not address pros/cons. Decision Synthesis The final choice is clearly justified with specific reasons tied to the research. A top choice is listed with a brief, general explanation. Top choice is missing or has no justification.
Facilitator Feedback
Bridge to Big Dreams • NYC Career Express
