Comp Sci High is New York City’s first Career and Technical Education (CTE) charter high school, founded to prepare students for successful postsecondary pathways, whether through college, workforce training, or direct entry into a career. Rather than treating career preparation as separate from college readiness, the school has redesigned the traditional high school model so that every student graduates with a personalized postsecondary plan, meaningful work-based learning experiences, and the knowledge and skills needed to achieve long-term economic mobility.
With the Foundation’s support, Comp Sci High has developed an innovative career-connected learning model that integrates college advising, career exploration, financial literacy, and workforce preparation throughout the high school experience. Central to this work is the school’s Post-Secondary Life (PSL) curriculum, which begins in ninth grade and helps students explore career options, prepare for college, and develop the workplace skills needed to succeed in a wide range of postsecondary pathways. The model also redesigns the school day, allowing eligible upperclassmen to participate in internships, apprenticeships, certification programs, and workforce training during school hours while remaining on track to graduate.
With Heckscher’s support, the school continues to develop employer-connected pathways in high-demand fields such as healthcare, the skilled trades, culinary arts, and building maintenance, while tracking graduates beyond high school to better understand which pathways lead to long-term success. The Foundation is also supporting Comp Sci High’s expansion of this model through CSH Alt, a new program serving over-age and under-credited youth in the South Bronx. CSH Alt combines flexible academics, paid workforce experiences, career training, and wraparound supports to help young people earn a diploma while building a pathway to employment and economic independence.