New York State Portrait of a Graduate

At the July 2025 Board of Regents meeting, the Board formally adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, a critical milestone in the Department’s NY Inspires initiative. The Portrait provides a unifying vision of what it means to be a graduate in New York State and describes the essential skills and dispositions that all students should develop to be successful in college, careers, and civic life.

The Portrait features six interconnected attributes, all grounded in Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education. The Portrait also communicates the Department’s broader vision: for every New York State graduate to learn, grow, create, work, and contribute.

While additional guidance is forthcoming, administrators may begin raising awareness of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate through communication about the Portrait with all stakeholders and making the Portrait visible in your community. Fostering a culture of whole-child development and encouraging authentic learning experiences will also set the foundation for the Portrait’s implementation.

Additional information about the NYS Portrait of a Graduate and NY Inspires can be found on the Department’s Graduation Measures website, which includes the July presentation to the Board of Regents and an updated list of frequently asked questions. Questions may be referred to GradMeasures@nysed.gov.