Events

Program

Switch to Partnering

Donate now

Events

Program

Switch to Partnering

Donate now

Events

Program

Switch to Partnering

Donate now

Connecting you to your career

Foundational Year is SpeakHire's pre-internship program that builds professional identity and career confidence. Interns practice key skills, develop career plans, and graduate with workplace understanding, professional presence, and supportive networks.

Explore Program

Get in touch

9×

individuals served   
since 2015

individuals served   since 2015

92%

report feeling career-ready
after the program

report feeling career-ready after the program

55%

secured higher-paying,  
career-aligned roles

secured higher-paying,  career-aligned roles

9×

individuals served   since 2015

55%

secured higher-paying,  career-aligned roles

92%

report feeling career-ready after the program

Professional Identity

Career Confidence

Champion Mentorship

Workplace Readiness

Supportive Networks

Aligned with NYC Goals

Every session is designed to advance the priorities set by NYC's Department of Education and Department of Youth and Community Development.

Career Readiness & Workforce Preparation

Interns build industry-agnostic skills (communication, collaboration, problem-solving, professionalism, digital fluency) and agency to succeed in internships and future pathways.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Career Readiness & Workforce Preparation

Interns build industry-agnostic skills (communication, collaboration, problem-solving, professionalism, digital fluency) and agency to succeed in internships and future pathways.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Counseling & Social Capital

Champions serve as coaches, mentors, and sponsors, expanding Interns' networks and building professional identity through real-world guidance.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Counseling & Social Capital

Champions serve as coaches, mentors, and sponsors, expanding Interns' networks and building professional identity through real-world guidance.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Leadership & Peer Development

Ambassadors receive 13 leadership sessions, leading peers, modeling responsibility, and fostering resilience, empathy, and self-advocacy.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Effective Communication & Fluency

Interns practice career skills, STAR stories, and presentations with Champions, strengthening English fluency and confidence.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Equity & Future Focus

Interns gain access to diverse role models, reflect on growth areas, and set meaningful career goals that promote inclusion and long-term success.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Aligned with NYC Goals

Every session is designed to advance the priorities set by NYC's Department of Education and Department of Youth and Community Development.

Career Readiness & Workforce Preparation

Interns build industry-agnostic skills (communication, collaboration, problem-solving, professionalism, digital fluency) and agency to succeed in internships and future pathways.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Counseling & Social Capital

Champions serve as coaches, mentors, and sponsors, expanding Interns' networks and building professional identity through real-world guidance.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Leadership & Peer Development

Ambassadors receive 13 leadership sessions, leading peers, modeling responsibility, and fostering resilience, empathy, and self-advocacy.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Effective Communication & Fluency

Interns practice career skills, STAR stories, and presentations with Champions, strengthening English fluency and confidence.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Equity & Future Focus

Interns gain access to diverse role models, reflect on growth areas, and set meaningful career goals that promote inclusion and long-term success.

Future-Ready Skills

Workplace Confidence

Professional Communication

Six Competencies

Every Foundational Year graduate embodies a set of core competencies that prepare them not just for their first job — but for a lifetime of career leadership and civic contribution.