Ulster BOCES Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) students presented their final projects for the year to an audience of fellow students, teachers, and family members on June 6 at SUNY Ulster’s satellite campus in Kingston.      

This final project offered students the opportunity to reflect on the past year ­– what they learned, how they improved, and what areas they should focus on next year.

Not all students succeed in a traditional school environment. That was made evident when students discussed how HVPA gave them a new outlook on their education, future, and dreams. Students credited small class sizes, workplace learning, caring teachers, and individual learning plans among the reasons for their success.

Freshman student Regan Miller of the Kingston City School District said, “HVPA has helped me to think bigger–more globally. For example, instead of just getting a job to pay the bills, I’m now considering going into politics and helping a larger group of people.”

Freshman student Dartanian Barringer of the Rondout Valley Central School District said, “HVPA changed the way I think about school. The teachers here have helped me to think beyond myself.” Barringer said he enjoys working with his hands and eventually wants to become a mechanic.

HVPA Principal Peter Harris said the final year-end presentations are to help students see how far they’ve come. “I hope they feel proud of all their hard work over the last year and continue to push themselves to progress in the years ahead.” After listening to each of their stories, Harris said he truly believes HVPA is helping to make students become productive and employable citizens.

Senior student Frank Alicandri of the Rondout Valley Central School District talked about taking college courses while in high school, as well as being chosen for a paid internship with Fala Technologies. “I organize and sort machined nuts, bolts, and screws at Fala Technologies. But that’s not all, I’m also learning about work ethic, customer service, and accuracy–all transferable skills to other aspects of my life,” Alicandri said.

The mission of HVPA is to develop and support pathways to higher education that lead to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math through rigorous academic programming and work-based learning through industry partners. This program lets students earn an associate’s degree while preparing them to transition into career fields within the region. The program also matches students with mentors from industry partners.

Find out more about the Hudson Valley Pathways Academy program here.