This is the first in a series of student spotlights featuring seniors in United Charter High Schools’ Workforce & Education Initiative — a hands-on internship program preparing 12th graders for life after graduation.
A willingness to try something new is paying off for Kayandra Francis, a senior at United Charter High School (UCHS) for Advanced Math & Science IV (AMS IV) in Queens: “I wanted more work experience in general. I wanted to know what it is like to work in a more professional field, and how to communicate with my peers and others in that environment. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and do tasks that I have never really done before.”
Kayandra is a participant in the UCHS Workforce & Education Initiative. She’s gaining professional experience while building a portfolio of real work — from designing flyers and infographics to collaborating with her supervisor on projects that are shared across the UCHS network.
“A typical day at my internship looks like me sitting at my desk, virtually meeting with my supervisor. We ask each other about our weeks, and then we get to discuss upcoming events, and projects I will work on, so my supervisor can present them to schools. The projects I work on will go towards my portfolio to show what I have done, and learned, in the past few months.”
It’s real, professional work and Kayandra says the environment has made all the difference. “The most surprising thing I’ve learned so far is the amount of freedom I’m given during this. I thought this would be more strict, but so far everyone is very understanding and lenient. I think it creates a very comfortable environment for someone who is as reserved as myself. It motivates me to do things outside of my comfort zone with less anxiousness than I would normally have.”
Kayandra plans to study psychology in college and eventually earn a doctorate to become a clinical psychologist. And while this internship hasn’t changed that goal, it has expanded how she sees herself: “Before this internship, I never knew I could overcome my fears by taking such initiative in my projects.”
What Is the Workforce & Education Initiative?
Running from February through May 2026, the Workforce & Education Initiative places UCHS seniors in meaningful, hands-on professional experiences. Scholars build essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork while exploring career paths and developing the confidence to thrive after graduation. It’s one of the many ways United Charter High Schools prepares students for success in college, career, and life.
Interested in giving your teen access to opportunities like these? Applications for the 2026–27 school year are open now at unitedcharter.org.
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open now.
