Students at John Dewey High School in Gravesend gave a warm welcome to the city’s Schools Chancellor David Banks as he toured the school and highlighted how they’re prepping their students.  

The chancellor made a visit to the school to learn more about the school’s college and career readiness programs.  

John Dewey is one of 34 Department of Education schools that implements the ‘Future Ready NYC’ initiative, which helps students discover their passions and gain the skills needed to turn those interests into future careers.  

“Over 2,000 young people in a high school who are put on a pathway to a future career and economic prosperity… they know where they’re going and they know what they want their lives to be,” said Banks.  

Students at John Dewey have a load of options to find their interests, from culinary and arts classes to learning how to be an EMT.  

“It gives us experience too, if we want to go into medical school later that we would know some of the basic stuff,” said 17-year-old student Hana Ibrahim. “If you want, you take the state exam, then you’re certified to work as an EMT in the entire state of New York.” 

The school is also preparing students for futures in education through their College Now program, which offers college credit courses for free. 

“I want them to be employable and be able to come out with the skills that are necessary for them to be able to take care of themselves and have a great life,” said chancellor Banks. 

Banks says the goal is to bring the Future Ready NYC initiative and similar programs and services to every school in New York City.