Career + Technical Exploration Programs

Unison embraces a Career & Technology Exploration Programs model (CTEPs), co-created in partnership with the Urban Assembly. Under the CTEP model, every Unison student participates in a robust career exploration unit that helps them identify their values, skills, and interests, and then connects those interests to careers.

These learning pathways prepare students to access a wide range of high-wage and high-demand 21st century careers in urban farming, technology and coding, design, animation, performing arts, and construction.

a laptop with a colorful array of icons and applications
  • salad greens flourishing in Unison's hydroponic lab

    Hydroponics & Urban Agriculture

    Unison partners with Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) to provide our Hydroponics and Urban Agriculture CTEP programming.

    TFFJ works in schools to train youth to become urban farmers who build and maintain indoor hydroponic farms that yield more than 100 lbs. of fresh produce per month. Unison's young urban farmers experience the rewards of building a meaningful, working solution to food insecurity in their communities. In the process, they transform their relationship to the food they eat, while developing the science and technology skills needed in a new green sector economy.

  • black female engineer standing amidst graphics including a globe, space scene, and butterfly

    Amazon Future Engineers + Project STEM

    We are thrilled to be partnering with Amazon Future Engineers and Project STEM to bring Middle School Computer Science to Unison! All Unison students participate in a three-year sequential computer science course where they learn MyCS Scratch, Artificial Intelligence from MIT, and Python Programming.

    These partnerships focus on advancing equity in computer science and STEM education through curriculum that helps students engage, learn, build confidence, and persist in these fields.

    Image Credit: scratch.mit.edu

  • wood shop tools including drill bits, nails, a chisel, and wood

    Wood Shop

    Unison proudly offers a Wood Shop enrichment in partnership with MapleWood Shop, where students unleash their creativity through hands-on woodworking projects. Under the guidance of our instructor, participants learn essential woodworking techniques while crafting unique creations from high-quality materials. Our woodshop program fosters a love for craftsmanship, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Students experience the joy of woodworking as we empower students to bring their imaginations to life!

  • students working with a robotic vehicle made of Legos

    Lego Robotics

    At Unison, our Lego Robotics enrichment program, where creativity meets technology in an engaging and educational setting. Students delve into the world of robotics, building and programming their own creations using LEGO® bricks and software. Through hands-on activities and challenges, participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while exploring concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our students’ imagination comes to life through the exciting world of Lego Robotics!

    Image credit: lego.com

  • close-up of small, baby trout in a plastic cup of water

    Trout in the Classroom

    Trout in the Classroom at Unison is a unique educational program where students engage in raising trout from eggs to fingerlings while learning about ecosystems, water quality, and conservation. Students foster environmental stewardship and a love for nature through this immersive and hands-on learning experience.

    Trout in the Classroom has been in classrooms across the country for more than three decades, and Unison is excited to be among this group of stewards!

  • close-up of the needle and fabric of a sewing machine at work

    Maker Space

    Unison was selected as a 2019 winner of Heart of America’s Maker Lab Makeover grant to redesign and recreate a STEM Lab in our school. In June of 2019, 100 corporate volunteers in "extreme makeover school edition-style" came to Unison to paint, create murals, and set up new furniture and tech equipment in a new state-of-the-art Maker Space.

    In 2020, Unison was awarded a $250,000 grant from Borough President Adams’ office to expland our Maker Space to share with PS 56! This is a testament to our strong campus partnership, and we continue to enjoy the shared learning opportunities this common space inspires.