CONNECTING YOU TO YOUR CAREER
Building social capital, career confidence, and internship readiness
Foundational Year (FY) is SpeakHire’s career development program that builds professional identity and network equity. We equip individuals with the workplace skills, strategic career plans, and social capital needed to navigate and advance in the workforce.
Flushing HS
Flushing HS
Queens Preparatory Academy
Queens Preparatory Academy
George Washington
ELLIS Preparatory
Claremont International High School
Claremont International High School
Crotona International High School
Crotona International High School
Frankford High School
Frankford High School
Why bring Foundational Year to your organization?
Unlocking Social Capital
Connects participants to the networks, mentors, and resources essential for upward mobility.
Connects participants to the networks, mentors, and resources essential for upward mobility.
Clear Career Planning
Helps individuals map out intentional, long-term career paths and actionable next steps.
Build Professional Confidence
Equips participants with the self-advocacy and workplace skills needed to thrive in any corporate environment.
Prepares for Internships
Participants build the skills, mindset, and materials needed for successful internship placement.
Organizations that enroll in this course results in confident, engaged and motivated participants.
Organizations that enroll in this course results in confident, engaged and motivated participants.
Organizations that enroll in this course results in confident, engaged and motivated participants.
Organizations that enroll in this course results in confident, engaged and motivated participants.
95%
95%
Feel seen as a future leader
96%
96%
Understand their pathway
92%
92%
Learned new skills
88%
88%
Connected to professionals
SpeakHire transformed our internship program during the pandemic, matching our newly arrived immigrant students with dedicated mentors who reflect their backgrounds. Through this partnership, students have developed leadership and advocacy skills while gaining the confidence to dream beyond their circumstances.
Kevin Hesseltine
Principal, Flushing IHS
I would like to share that at the beginning, I felt very insecure and nervous, as I was not confident in my abilities. However, my mentor supported me with patience, kindness, and encouragement, which gradually helped me build confidence and courage. Over time, I began to feel more comfortable expressing myself, and I am truly grateful for the guidance and support I received.
Abigail
Cortona IHS
I chose SpeakHire because I was attracted by the opportunity to have connections with people in the field I am interested in. During the 9 sessions for Foundational Year, my Champion provided a great amount of information, always looked for our interests and questions, and gave us the best advice. I really enjoyed my matches because I was able to learn something new from each session, and the information we received is very useful to continue learning in the future. It was a great opportunity to learn more about my interests and it gave me more confidence in what I would like to do when I finish high school.
Erick Cuzco
IHS Union Square
I truly appreciated the teacher who was patient with me, especially since I do not speak English as well as I would like. However, I believe it is better to try than not to try at all. I have enjoyed sharing my purposes and goals, which I will achieve with God's guidance. I am very grateful to be part of this group with all of you.
Eimy
Crotona IHS
Our students are working directly with professionals and getting mentored by them. They are enjoying the program, receiving rating reviews, and are very deeply connected to the professionals. The program provides a great and unique opportunity for students, especially younger youth starting 9th and 10th grade, and our school plans to continue participating in the future.
Shweta Ratra
Principal, Crotona IHS
I felt that the match was perfect for me because my Champion helped me develop myself more professionally and advised me in my current college application process. Excellent job and really helpful for immigrant kids who need help in preparation for college, work, and other areas. Thank you for your hard work
Ashmel Martinez
ELLIS
This is a great opportunity and experience for me. It has helped me a lot with my university and my future, and has let me know myself better and where I want to go. The experiences and suggestions the Champion shared with us were helpful, and I learned a lot during the sessions. She is more like a friend when we communicate and share ideas together. I love the format, and SpeakHire—this program is really nice to have.
Ziyi Lin
Flushing IHS
SpeakHire transformed our internship program during the pandemic, matching our newly arrived immigrant students with dedicated mentors who reflect their backgrounds. Through this partnership, students have developed leadership and advocacy skills while gaining the confidence to dream beyond their circumstances.
Kevin Hesseltine
Principal, Flushing IHS
I would like to share that at the beginning, I felt very insecure and nervous, as I was not confident in my abilities. However, my mentor supported me with patience, kindness, and encouragement, which gradually helped me build confidence and courage. Over time, I began to feel more comfortable expressing myself, and I am truly grateful for the guidance and support I received.
Abigail
Cortona IHS
I chose SpeakHire because I was attracted by the opportunity to have connections with people in the field I am interested in. During the 9 sessions for Foundational Year, my Champion provided a great amount of information, always looked for our interests and questions, and gave us the best advice. I really enjoyed my matches because I was able to learn something new from each session, and the information we received is very useful to continue learning in the future. It was a great opportunity to learn more about my interests and it gave me more confidence in what I would like to do when I finish high school.
Erick Cuzco
IHS Union Square
I truly appreciated the teacher who was patient with me, especially since I do not speak English as well as I would like. However, I believe it is better to try than not to try at all. I have enjoyed sharing my purposes and goals, which I will achieve with God's guidance. I am very grateful to be part of this group with all of you.
Eimy
Crotona IHS
Our students are working directly with professionals and getting mentored by them. They are enjoying the program, receiving rating reviews, and are very deeply connected to the professionals. The program provides a great and unique opportunity for students, especially younger youth starting 9th and 10th grade, and our school plans to continue participating in the future.
Shweta Ratra
Principal, Crotona IHS
I felt that the match was perfect for me because my Champion helped me develop myself more professionally and advised me in my current college application process. Excellent job and really helpful for immigrant kids who need help in preparation for college, work, and other areas. Thank you for your hard work
Ashmel Martinez
ELLIS
This is a great opportunity and experience for me. It has helped me a lot with my university and my future, and has let me know myself better and where I want to go. The experiences and suggestions the Champion shared with us were helpful, and I learned a lot during the sessions. She is more like a friend when we communicate and share ideas together. I love the format, and SpeakHire—this program is really nice to have.
Ziyi Lin
Flushing IHS
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Portrait of a Graduate
Career awareness & exploration
Exposure to multiple industries and roles builds insight into professional career pathways.
Foundational skill-building
Exposure to multiple industries and roles builds insight into professional career pathways.
Pathways advising alignment
Personalized career plans with structured advising support education and employment choices.
Career readiness
Graduates gain professional presence, work understanding, career skills, and supportive networks.
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Portrait of a Graduate
Career awareness & exploration
Exposure to multiple industries and roles builds insight into professional career pathways.
Foundational skill-building
Exposure to multiple industries and roles builds insight into professional career pathways.
Pathways advising alignment
Personalized career plans with structured advising support education and employment choices.
Career readiness
Graduates gain professional presence, work understanding, career skills, and supportive networks.
What participants leaves with
Career pathways plan
An individualized plan that outlines post-secondary options, career goals, and aligned next steps
Champion engagement records
Documentation of interactions with Career Pathways Champions, capturing key insights and advice, and building networks for greater opportunity.
Professional portfolio
A resume, cover letter, work samples, and internship reflections showcasing workplace readiness
Resume
Cover letter
Work samples
How a program delivery works
Structure
Structure
09
sessions per Internship round
06
sessions required for clearing round
02
minimum Internship rounds required for completion of program
*Entry requires a Leadership Course or 4+ Seminars
Connect with Champions
Connect with Champions
Career Pathways Champions guide participants through mentorship, encouragement, and real-world career insight.
Skills built:
Mentorship
Networking
Direction
Staff & Peer support
Staff & Peer support
Career Pathways Champions guide participants through mentorship, encouragement, and real-world career insight.
Educator
Peer leader
Practice real-world skills
Practice real-world skills
Skills they practice
Communication & collaboration
Problem-solving & critical thinking
STAR storytelling method
CR-S workplace principles
What they built
English fluency & confidence
Visibility in professional fields
Identity recognized as an asset
Readiness for internships & careers
Move forward career ready
Move forward career ready
Interview practice
Core applied skills evaluated against program benchmarks
Workplace scenarios
Participant and partner aligned on the career journey ahead
Resume building
Document skills and experiences gained
Professional networking
Build connections with industry partners
Grow with support
Grow with support
Skill performance scored
Core applied skills evaluated against program benchmarks
Next steps defined
Participant and partner aligned on the career journey ahead
Attendance tracked
Consistency monitored across every session
Engagement rated
Quality of participation assessed in real time
Connect With Our Team
What partnering with us actually looks like
We handle
• All program curriculum and delivery
• Champion recruitment, vetting, and matching
• Attendance and skill tracking
• Parent/guardian consent process
• Data reporting back to your team
Your organization provides
• One designated Partner Support Liaison (existing staff)
• Space for sessions (in-person or virtual)
• Student referrals and enrollment
• 30-min onboarding call with our team
What partnering with us actually looks like
We handle
• All program curriculum and delivery
• Champion recruitment, vetting, and matching
• Attendance and skill tracking
• Parent/guardian consent process
• Data reporting back to your team
Your organization provides
• One designated Partner Support Liaison (existing staff)
• Space for sessions (in-person or virtual)
• Student referrals and enrollment
• 30-min onboarding call with our team
Aligned with NYC DOE
& DYCD goals
Aligned with NYC DOE & DYCD goals
NYC DOE Vendor ID: SPE132773 · EIN: 47-4132773
Career readiness & workforce preparation
Build practical skills for interviews, workplace success,
and future career opportunities.
Build practical skills for interviews, workplace success, and future career opportunities.
Counseling & social capital
Gain trusted guidance, mentorship, and meaningful
professional connections.
Gain trusted guidance, mentorship, and meaningful professional connections.
Leadership & peer development
Strengthen leadership, confidence, responsibility, and
self-advocacy skills.
Strengthen leadership, confidence, responsibility, and self-advocacy skills.
Effective communication & fluency
Practice clear communication, storytelling,
presentation skills, and confidence.
Practice clear communication, storytelling, presentation skills, and confidence.
Equity & future focus
Reflect on growth, set meaningful goals, and
move forward with confidence.
Reflect on growth, set meaningful goals, and move forward with confidence.
Aligned with NYC DOE & DYCD goals
Build practical skills for interviews, workplace success, and future career opportunities.
Career readiness & workforce preparation
Build practical skills for interviews, workplace success, and future career opportunities.
Counseling & social capital
Gain trusted guidance, mentorship, and meaningful professional connections.
Leadership & peer development
Strengthen leadership, confidence, responsibility, and self-advocacy skills.
Effective communication & fluency
Practice clear communication, storytelling, presentation skills, and confidence.
Equity & future focus
Reflect on growth, set meaningful goals, and move forward with confidence.
What our alumni say about us
According to me, everything is good in the Foundation Year. I like how they encourage students. I participated to develop and understand different objectives that will help me achieve my goals. Having more than one champion helped me learn about different career pathways. Meeting different champions gave me confidence and allowed me to explore many career options within political science. I am glad for the support I received, and it helped me grow personally and professionally.
Read more
Ismatu Barry
I chose to be in Speakhire Foundational Year because it provided me with a great opportunity to talk to people in careers based on my interests. Each session taught us a new skill and how we could put it to use, and my champion explained the importance of each skill and helped us deeply research our colleges of interest and the majors we desired. This experience would help me be more decisive in choosing my career, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity—it really helped me a lot
Read more
Alejandra Minan
I chose to participate in the Foundation Year because I wanted to acquire new experiences that would help me in the future. I felt supported by the SPEAKHIRE team during my internship rounds. My champions understood me perfectly, even considering the language barrier, and they radiated empathy and respect. This is something that my colleagues and I noticed and appreciated. The program taught me valuable skills and gave me guidance I will carry forward
Read more
Elvianny De Jesús Gómez
I chose to participate in the Foundation Year because I wanted to acquire new experiences that would help me in the future. I felt supported by the SPEAKHIRE team during my internship rounds. My champions understood me perfectly, even considering the language barrier, and they radiated empathy and respect. This is something that my colleagues and I noticed and appreciated. The program taught me valuable skills and gave me guidance I will carry forward
Read more
Elvianny De Jesús Gómez
I chose to be in Speakhire Foundational Year because it provided me with a great opportunity to talk to people in careers based on my interests. Each session taught us a new skill and how we could put it to use, and my champion explained the importance of each skill and helped us deeply research our colleges of interest and the majors we desired. This experience would help me be more decisive in choosing my career, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity—it really helped me a lot
Read more
Alejandra Minan
According to me, everything is good in the Foundation Year. I like how they encourage students. I participated to develop and understand different objectives that will help me achieve my goals. Having more than one champion helped me learn about different career pathways. Meeting different champions gave me confidence and allowed me to explore many career options within political science. I am glad for the support I received, and it helped me grow personally and professionally.
Read more
Ismatu Barry
According to me, everything is good in the Foundation Year. I like how they encourage students. I participated to develop and understand different objectives that will help me achieve my goals. Having more than one champion helped me learn about different career pathways. Meeting different champions gave me confidence and allowed me to explore many career options within political science. I am glad for the support I received, and it helped me grow personally and professionally.
Read more
Ismatu Barry
I chose to be in Speakhire Foundational Year because it provided me with a great opportunity to talk to people in careers based on my interests. Each session taught us a new skill and how we could put it to use, and my champion explained the importance of each skill and helped us deeply research our colleges of interest and the majors we desired. This experience would help me be more decisive in choosing my career, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity—it really helped me a lot
Read more
Alejandra Minan
I chose to participate in the Foundation Year because I wanted to acquire new experiences that would help me in the future. I felt supported by the SPEAKHIRE team during my internship rounds. My champions understood me perfectly, even considering the language barrier, and they radiated empathy and respect. This is something that my colleagues and I noticed and appreciated. The program taught me valuable skills and gave me guidance I will carry forward
Read more
Elvianny De Jesús Gómez
According to me, everything is good in the Foundation Year. I like how they encourage students. I participated to develop and understand different objectives that will help me achieve my goals. Having more than one champion helped me learn about different career pathways. Meeting different champions gave me confidence and allowed me to explore many career options within political science. I am glad for the support I received, and it helped me grow personally and professionally.
Read more
Ismatu Barry
I chose to be in Speakhire Foundational Year because it provided me with a great opportunity to talk to people in careers based on my interests. Each session taught us a new skill and how we could put it to use, and my champion explained the importance of each skill and helped us deeply research our colleges of interest and the majors we desired. This experience would help me be more decisive in choosing my career, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity—it really helped me a lot
Read more
Alejandra Minan
I chose to participate in the Foundation Year because I wanted to acquire new experiences that would help me in the future. I felt supported by the SPEAKHIRE team during my internship rounds. My champions understood me perfectly, even considering the language barrier, and they radiated empathy and respect. This is something that my colleagues and I noticed and appreciated. The program taught me valuable skills and gave me guidance I will carry forward
Read more
Elvianny De Jesús Gómez
I participated in the Foundation Year because I was told it would benefit me in learning more about careers I’m interested in and about colleges. The more people you learn from, the more knowledge you gain. The SPEAKHIRE team supported me by reminding me of important things, like rescheduling and new meetings with my champions. The champions I matched with cared about me, helped me grow by providing tips, internships, and information about colleges and majors. I felt safe and comfortable with them because they were kind, friendly, and supportive
Read more
Rana Musleh
I participated because I want to learn more about my future and careers. SPEAKHIRE helped me a lot when it comes to making up my mind for my future career. They always remind me how good and smart I am and how I can achieve anything just by believing in myself. They always make sure that I give the best that I can. They treated me like a daughter and actually cared about what I wanted.
Read more
Ayele Dounou
I think the Foundational Year is a great organization, and I honestly can't think of anything they could do better since they do their job very well. I chose the program because it seemed like an excellent place to develop as a person and explore new experiences. Having rounds with different champions was great because I was able to learn about the field I want to join from multiple perspectives. I felt that SPEAKHIRE truly cared about my internship process and that of my classmates, always making sure we understood everything. My two champions were incredible—they guided me, gave me excellent advice, and treated me with respect and education, helping me become the person I want to be.
Read more
Jaime Lara
Moments that tell the story
A glimpse into the people, programs, and shared experiences that bring the SPEAKHIRE community to life.
A glimpse into the people, programs, and shared experiences that bring the SpeakHire community to life.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Who is this program for?
Who is this program for?
Is parent or guardian consent required?
Can this integrate with existing CTE or college advisory programming?
Can this integrate with existing CTE or college advisory programming?
What is the school's role once enrolled?
What is the school's role once enrolled?
Is there a cost to the school?
Is there a cost to the school?
What kind of participants are the best fit?
What kind of participants are the best fit?
Ready to connect your future leaders to career pathways?
Partner with SpeakHire to help participants develop confidence, career readiness, leadership skills, and meaningful professional connections.
Connect With Our Team
Ready to connect your future leaders to career pathways?
Partner with SpeakHire to help participants develop confidence, career readiness, leadership skills, and meaningful professional connections.
Connect With Our Team
Other programs to explore
SpeakHire is a 501c3 organization. EIN 47-4132773
SpeakHire is a 501c3 organization. EIN 47-4132773
Get Involved
Partners
Interns
Champions
Careers
Volunteers
Get Involved
Partners
Interns
Champions
Careers
Volunteers