The WSWHE BOCES Southern Adirondack PTECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) program in collaboration with SUNY Adirondack held a Manufacturing and STEAM Day event on Friday, October 21, 2022 at SUNY Adirondack, Queensbury. Manufacturing Day is a nationwide celebration of modern manufacturing that aims to inspire future manufacturers.
Nearly 125 ninth- and 10th-grade students from across the region attended, including students in the PTECH program which prepares high school students for high-skills jobs of the future in technology, manufacturing, health care and finance. Students began the day at SUNY Adirondack with a welcome from the college and PTECH program. Students then boarded buses to tour a regional business, giving them a chance to learn about manufacturing careers and related educational pathways. The tours were at Adirondack Studios, The Fort Miller Group, GlobalFoundries, KIRSH Helmets and RASP Inc.
When they returned from their respective tour, students participated in an interactive tabling event with hands-on activities and demonstrations by area Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and manufacturing businesses, PTECH and SUNY Adirondack programs.
Saoirse Chesney, a student from South Glens Falls, was in attendance at the event. Chesney enjoyed the day stating, “I’m excited about what these companies offer and what I can do in my life. It gives me a better idea of what to pursue in the future.” She said the tour was great showing not only how the manufacturing works but also the “why”. She thinks that starting a career search at a young age is important.
This event is a result of the work of the STEAM Roundtable, a group of representatives from local STEAM businesses, various SUNY Adirondack faculty and staff members, and WSWHE BOCES leadership. The touring companies were also in attendance at the interactive event on campus along with other local companies including Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp., Finch Paper, and Irving Tissue.
The Southern Adirondack PTECH program was created based on two industry sectors that have been experiencing unprecedented growth and expansion in the region. PTECH offers two pathways: Electrical Technology/Advanced Manufacturing and IT Computer Networking. Both programs are developed based on four core elements: industry credentials, acquisition of college credits that lead to an A.A.S. degree, work based learning experiences, and industry-sector technology. These core elements drive curriculum and incorporate Project Based Learning. Programs are located on both SUNY Adirondack campuses in Queensbury and Saratoga. Students are dually enrolled in their high school and at SUNY Adirondack as non-matriculated students during their junior and senior years. During freshman and sophomore years, students will remain at their home school taking Project Lead the Way or technology courses. When juniors and seniors, students spend half their day on the SUNY Adirondack campus with SUNY professors and BOCES Career and Technical Education instructors. The other half includes Regents level courses at their home school. Upon completion of their high school requirements, students will then finish their degree requirements for their A.A.S degree on the college campus. This is all at no cost to the student’s family.
To learn more about the PTECH and ECCA programs, click here.