For many young people, charting a path after high school can be a complex journey. While college is often seen as the default, more and more students are exploring vocational training, certifications, apprenticeships, and immediate employment. Yet navigating these options can feel overwhelming.

What if there was a resource that offered clear, accessible information for every student? Enter the New Visions Career Directory, a powerful tool that’s reshaping how students navigate their futures. Featuring over 300 free or low-cost career training programs—from certifications and internships to job placement and support services—the Directory makes exploring opportunities possible in one easy-to-use place.

“We’re solving a fundamental problem,” explained Jessica Sasko, Director of Postsecondary Readiness at New Visions for Public Schools. “When students aren’t college-bound, the advice often stops at ‘try a trade school,’ leaving a vast, murky landscape of options. The truth is, navigating these pathways is incredibly challenging, with program websites often being a labyrinth of information. New Visions is committed to being the go-to resource with our Career Directory—providing the clarity and support we ourselves longed for when we were advising students.” 

Generously launched through a grant from The Heckscher Foundation for Children in May 2024, this free, open-access platform is a new frontier in New Visions’ commitment to empowering NYC students with cost-effective or free postsecondary career training opportunities. Since its beta launch in May 2024, the Career Directory has already reached over 27,000 visitors. Educators across New York City have been trained on the Directory through partnerships with New York City Public Schools, the Options Institute, and College Access Consortium of New York.

Finding Best Fit Programs

At its core, the New Visions Career Directory is about finding programs that are a good fit. As Whitney Whiting-Gonzalez, Associate Director of Program Design at iMentor, explains, “The Career Directory helps students connect their broad interests with specific programs and pathways. So, if a student wants to be a nail technician—they might know that career title, but not the specific steps they need to take to become one. The Career Directory helps them find the exact programs suited for that career.” 

Students can use the Directory as an interactive guide to take ownership of their learning and explore crucial information for decision-making. Each program listing highlights key details—location, cost and financial aid, program duration, eligibility requirements, and career pathway—making it easy to compare options. To deepen its impact, the Directory also provides dedicated resources for students and educators, from lesson plans to 1:1 guidance tools, helping them make the most of what the platform offers. Importantly, because counselors need both strong training and practical supports, New Visions has also developed new quick-start videos for students and learning tools for counselors: resources designed to complement training while making the Directory easier to use independently.

The digital format itself is a huge advantage, as Whiting-Gonzalez notes, “Our staff has found the New Visions Career Directory incredibly easy to use, comprehensive, and a valuable source of critical information. They particularly appreciate that it’s not paper-based, which helps us meet young people where they are in this age of technology.” This accessibility ensures that students can leverage the directory effectively in their career discovery journey. 

Navigating an Evolving Job Market

The Career Directory is preparing students for their future in a rapidly changing job market. The landscape of post-high school opportunities is no longer a simple, singular path to college; instead, it’s a dynamic environment where practical skills and diverse experiences are increasingly valued. Students need nimble, accessible, and up-to-date tools to help them navigate this complex terrain. 

To ensure students can access these critical opportunities, New Visions is committed to partnering with providers across the city to maintain up to date information. In Spring 2025, New Visions partnered with CUNY’s Office of K16 Initiatives to expand listings for free and scholarship-eligible workforce training programs across CUNY campuses. Michael Rothman, Senior Director of Education Pathways at CUNY, explained, “In 2025 and beyond, postsecondary success will increasingly demand a blend of college education and practical work experience. The Career Directory is essential for preparing students for this evolving landscape, uniquely connecting them with both academic pathways and vital workforce opportunities, and ensuring they are ready for the future.” Ultimately, the Career Directory ensures that students are not only prepared for academic success but also equipped with the practical skills and credentials needed to thrive in today’s job market.

Equitable Access 

Perhaps one of the most vital aspects of the New Visions Career Directory is its commitment to supporting equitable access to information. It levels the playing field, ensuring that all students, regardless of their chosen post-secondary journey, have the resources to make informed decisions. This directory helps by giving young people clear options and relevant, organized information so they can make informed decisions with ease. It ensures the process isn’t disjointed, providing a clear path for all students, regardless of their chosen post-secondary journey.

The New Visions Career Directory is more than just a tool; it’s a testament to the belief that every student deserves clear, validated pathways to their future. By providing comprehensive, accessible information and celebrating all aspirations, it truly empowers young people to navigate their post-secondary futures with confidence and clarity.

For more information, visit the New Visions Career Directory.