The honor recognizes the annual Manufacturing and STEAM Day, a collaborative initiative between WSWHE BOCES and the SUNY Adirondack Continuing Education Office. The event connects students with postsecondary pathways and high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing through a combination of firsthand experiences, industry engagement, and peer insight.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for a program that reflects the meaningful opportunities we strive to create for students,” said WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent Turina Parker. “Our partnership with SUNY Adirondack is a powerful example of how collaboration can open doors. Manufacturing and STEAM Day helps students see what’s possible and envision themselves in careers that are critical to our regional economy.”
The October 17 event provided students with a comprehensive look at postsecondary pathways and careers in advanced manufacturing. Through a panel of P-TECH graduates who earned their Mechatronics degrees from SUNY Adirondack, students gained firsthand insight into the transition from education to the workforce. Experiences throughout the day, including site visits to regional employers such as Adirondack Studios, Creatacor, Fort Miller Group and GlobalFoundries, as well as interactive opportunities with industry professionals and faculty, offered meaningful exposure to both college programs and in-demand career fields.
A highlight of this year’s event was the full-circle success of the program. Two former SUNY Adirondack P-TECH graduates participated in the panel discussion and also represented their current employer, Praxis Technology, at the career fair.
“The strength of this program lies in its ability to connect education and industry in meaningful ways,” said President of SUNY Adirondack Anastasia Urtz. “Through our partnership with WSWHE BOCES, students engage with industry leaders and discover exciting, in-demand careers. Together, we are illuminating pathways from classroom to career and supporting students to build a great future in our region.”
The success of Manufacturing and STEAM Day is made possible through the leadership and coordination of the WSWHE BOCES' Innovative Programs Team led by Michelle Maddalla as well as SUNY Adirondack's Continuing Education Office, led by Susan Wynkoop.
Representatives from NYSSBA formally presented the Champions of Change recognition and commemorative banner during the WSWHE BOCES Board of Education meeting on April 15, celebrating the program and the partnership that makes it possible.
“Recognition like this reflects the shared commitment of our educators, partners, and industry leaders,” Parker added. “We are proud of what we’ve built together and grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work with SUNY Adirondack.”
WSWHE BOCES extends its appreciation to NYSSBA for this honor and to SUNY Adirondack for its ongoing partnership in expanding opportunities for students across the region.
Photo Caption: WSWHE BOCES and SUNY Adirondack staff receiving Champions of Change banner from South Glens Falls Board President and NYSSBA Representative John Farrell. Left to right: Michelle Maddalla, Susan Wynkoop, Carrie VanTassel, Kathryn O’Sick, John Farrel, Gage Simpson, Cecilia Dansereau-Rumley.