Meet our second cohort of Junior Associates.

Work-based learning collaboratively engages employers and schools in providing structured experiences and skills development for learners. We’re proud to provide this opportunity to New York City high school students for a second year, and thrilled to benefit from their unique perspectives.

In 2022, Luminary Labs launched its inaugural work-based learning program, welcoming two part-time Junior Associates to the team. This summer, we are once again working directly with local high schools to employ two CTE (career and technical education) students to support our work with the U.S. Department of Education.

Phoenix Li is a rising senior at City Polytechnic High School; she is supporting our team working on the Your Place in Space Challenge, a CTE Momentum challenge that connects the dots between the skills students build in CTE programs and the fulfilling careers they can have in the space industry. Perla Fernandez is a rising junior at Manhattan Early College School for Advertising (MECA); she is supporting our team working on the Middle Grades CTE Accelerator, a professional development program to advance career and technical education in grades 5-8.

Junior Associates work with and learn from the entire Luminary Labs team, including senior leadership, at our office in New York. The work-based learning experience, led by Senior Associate Natalia Allen and Senior Talent Associate Olivia Anderle, also includes mentorship opportunities and a professional development accelerator.