DeWitt Clinton High expands internships, nine career pathways and Columbia research partnership

DeWitt Clinton High School leaders told a radio program they have built nine career pathways that combine college credit, certification exams and paid work placements so students can graduate with job-ready credentials.

"We built 9 pathways, and still growing," Principal Pierre Orbi said, describing a strategy driven by students who asked for clearer routes to college and employment. "They're gonna run into college credits, they're gonna get a certification exam opportunity, and they're gonna get a chance to work."

Orbi said the pathways were designed in response to student interest and to strengthen resumes for early-career opportunities. Staff gave examples that include a newly created computer science pathway, health-care programs that produced more than 50 students graduating with certified nursing assistant credentials last year, and performing-arts and agriculture tracks. "We have students graduating and just able to work in developing web design and doing a variety of things with local apprenticeships," Orbi said.

School staff also described employer partnerships that provide hands-on internship work. A Columbia University researcher recently offered lab access for after-school research; Orbi said the school arranged paid internship hours so students could participate while still in high school. "We just had a student graduating, and she had been doing 3 years of research at Columbia University," he said.

Two students described employer-run technical internships. Suleiman (Saloon) Barry, who identified himself as student-body president, and Amadou (Ahmedu) Ba described work with automotive partners. "We learned a lot about car and changed batteries, changed tires, and learn about how cars work," one student said of a Jeep/Honda program that staff said leads to job opportunities in the mechanic field.

Dean and coordinator of student activities Rafael Arazo said partner programs are vetted and include guidance about benefits and licensing. "Not only did he do the g, but he again, going back to licensing with security and real estate," Arazo said, noting one student had completed a real-estate licensing exam and was fingerprinted for a security license before graduating.

School leaders also discussed alumni engagement and a small-donation plan to support programs. Orbi said a broad alumni participation model (contributions of $1 to $5 per year) could generate meaningful funds for school initiatives. The school shared a contact website for more information: Dwickclintonhs.com, and said it maintains an active Instagram presence under the handle "I choose Clinton."

The interview ended as the host thanked the guests and the program went to a brief break.