With college admissions in flux and the NYC school system shifting its emphasis toward "career pathways," two students prepare for life after high school.

In the first segment, student producer Christian Rojas Linares explores a new apprenticeship program through the eyes of Heidy Torres, a high school junior who works 16 hours a week for Bloomberg, the finance giant and media company.

The second segment, produced by Marcellino Melika and Tanvir Kaur, focuses on a student who has devoted enormous energy to getting into a top college — submitting 23 applications requiring 50 supplemental essays.

• Want to get in touch? Email us at PSweekly@chalkbeat.org.
• To stay up to date on New York City schools coverage throughout the week, sign up for Chalkbeat New York's daily newsletter at ckbe.at/subscribe-ny.
• Learn more about The Bell's student programs and podcasts at bellvoices.org.