Annual program has connected more than 14,000 public high school students with leading NYC employers since 2020

The Partnership for New York City and New York City Public Schools are hosting the city’s fifth annual Career Discovery Week, taking place March 23-27, 2026. One of the city’s most significant public-private initiatives in career education, Career Discovery Week brings high school students into New York City’s leading employers for full-day hands-on career exploration and direct access to company leaders and workplaces.

This year, more than 4,000 students from over 130 public schools will visit a wide cross-section of employers including financial services, transportation, technology, media, aviation, consumer goods, real estate, health care, government, and entertainment. Activities include career panel discussions, workplace tours, tech demos, team challenges, and other hands-on activities designed to expose students to a range of professional paths.

Sample employers and programs:

• JPMorganChase (March 23) – Students will participate in a hands-on workshop alongside JPMorganChase volunteers to brainstorm, build and pitch their own local business ideas based on a neighborhood investment challenge. They will tour 270 Park and close the day with a fireside chat with Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon.
  
  

• LVMH (March 23) – Students will be immersed in luxury retail industry careers through hands-on technology experiences and a behind-the-scenes tour of Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store, The Landmark, while connecting with Maison volunteers through panels and mentorship at the LVMH Tower.
  
  

• JetBlue (March 24) – Students will go behind-the-scenes at JetBlue's home at JFK Terminal 5, including tours of the air traffic control tower and aircraft, as well as a panel discussion with pilots, engineers, mechanics, and airport leaders about careers in aviation.
  
  

• Related Companies (March 24) – Students will visit Related Companies’ corporate headquarters to explore how large-scale, complex real estate projects come together, including transformative developments like Willets Point, along with practical advice on landing a first job.
  
  

• NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (March 25) – Students will tackle real urban challenges through the "Solve NYC" Student Innovation Challenge, hear from a multi-agency career panel, and discover how public servants work together to keep New York City running.
  
  

• Amazon (March 26) – Students will hear from a panel of Amazon volunteers, engage in a speed networking event, tour the AWS Builder Studio, and participate in a hands-on AI challenge that introduces them to the basics of AI prompting.
  
  

• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (March 26) – Students will tour one of New York City's most iconic observation experiences, hear from professionals about their career journeys, and create personal career vision roadmaps.

A full list of participating employers is available here.

Career Discovery Week is a key component of Student Pathways, through which New York City Public Schools is expanding opportunity and economic security by ensuring that students graduate from high school with a strong plan for their future. The core elements of Student Pathways include personalized advising, career-connected instruction, financial literacy, hands-on work experience, and the opportunity to earn both early college credits and industry-valued credentials before graduation. By combining a rigorous academic foundation with real workplace experience and a head start on a career path, Student Pathways provides students with opportunities to build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in today’s economy.

Participating employers include members of the Partnership for New York City, which coordinates employer recruitment and engagement for the program, as well as employers from the public and nonprofit sectors. This connection ensures that students gain exposure to some of the city’s most prominent and diverse workplaces while strengthening ties between the business community and the next generation of talent.

“Career Discovery Week is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can shape the future of our city,” said Steven Fulop, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City. “It connects students to exciting career paths, helping them envision what’s possible for their futures, while also giving employees the chance to mentor, guide, and share their expertise. The impact, both on students and the employees who lead these experiences, is what makes the program so unique. We thank our member companies for opening their doors and giving students the opportunity to explore an extraordinary range of careers.”

“Career Discovery Week is a transformative hands-on opportunity for our students,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, we are helping students explore their passions, discover new possibilities, and envision the many pathways that lead to bright futures. These career-connected opportunities empower our young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to succeed.”

“New York has always been a place where ambition connects with opportunity and this program is a powerful way to inspire young people,” said Partnership for New York City Co-Chair Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer. “It’s tremendous to see so many companies participating and investing in a new generation of scientists, innovators and problem solvers.”

“For five years, Career Discovery Week has opened doors for public high school students across New York City,” said Rob Speyer, Co-Chair of the Partnership for New York City and CEO of Tishman Speyer. “We're proud to partner on this initiative, connecting students to real experience and opportunity.”

“Programs like Career Discovery Week are more than a field trip—they’re a first step toward pathways to good jobs. These students could be our future leaders. It’s important they gain hands-on experience at NYC-based companies to learn about the kind of jobs they might want down the road.” said Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorganChase.

By the end of this year’s Career Discovery Week, more than 18,000 students will have participated in the program during its first five years.

About Career Discovery Week
Career Discovery Week is a collaborative initiative that brings together the city’s leading businesses, professional firms, and nonprofits to help high school students take the first step toward building a career path. Launched in 2020 by the Partnership for New York City and New York City Public Schools, this program offers students hands-on career exploration at some of the city’s most vibrant and impactful workplaces. To date, more than 280 major employers and over 14,000 public high school students have participated in the program, creating a bridge between the classroom and the workforce.

About the Partnership for New York City
The Partnership for New York City represents the city’s business leaders and largest employers. Working with government, labor, and the nonprofit sector, the Partnership promotes economic growth and ensures New York City remains a global center of opportunity, innovation, and upward mobility. Its investment arm, the Partnership Fund for New York City, invests in entrepreneurs and organizations advancing a more inclusive and competitive economy. Learn more at pfnyc.org.

About New York City Public Schools
NYCPS is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city's vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City's commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.