New York State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa expressed strong approval for the Western New York P-TECH program following a recent visit to its Dunkirk campus. During her tour, Dr. Rosa met with students and alumni, highlighting the program's success in connecting academic learning with practical, career-focused skills.
The visit, part of a broader tour of educational facilities in the region, left the commissioner describing the experience as "fabulous" and "fantastic." She specifically praised the students' ability to articulate how they apply classroom knowledge in a hands-on environment.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Betty Rosa, NY's top education official, visited the WNY P-TECH campus in Dunkirk and was highly impressed with its model.
- The program integrates high school, college, and industry experience to prepare students for high-demand careers.
- A current student, Myah Benjamin, and a graduate, Whitney Hice, were highlighted as examples of the program's success.
- Dr. Rosa praised the students' sense of ownership and the program's ability to foster confidence and real-world skills.
- The visit underscored the state's focus on creating multiple pathways to success, embodied by the "portrait of a graduate" concept.
State Commissioner's Tour Highlights Innovative Education
Dr. Betty Rosa and representatives from the New York State Education Department recently toured several educational sites across Western New York. A key stop on their itinerary was the WNY P-TECH campus in Dunkirk, a regional program designed to bridge the gap between education and industry.
Upon her arrival, Dr. Rosa was greeted by administrators from P-TECH and Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES. The welcome also included current students and program graduates, who shared their personal experiences with the state's leading education official.
After the visit, Dr. Rosa shared her positive assessment. "It was fabulous. It was just fantastic," she stated. "Great kids, great place, great leadership. I’m thrilled to be here to see it firsthand."
Connecting Learning to Application
A central theme of Dr. Rosa's praise was the program's effectiveness in teaching students how to apply their knowledge. She noted that the students were exceptionally skilled at explaining this connection.
"What I loved most is that they were able to articulate being in a traditional classroom versus taking that learning and applying that learning," Dr. Rosa said. "That connection is fabulous, and they were able to share it with us."
This hands-on approach is a core component of the P-TECH model, which stands for Pathways in Technology. The public-private partnership aims to equip students for skilled jobs in fields like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
What is P-TECH?
The Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) model is a specialized educational program that spans grades 9-14. It combines a traditional high school curriculum with college-level coursework and workplace experience, allowing students to earn a high school diploma, an associate degree, and gain relevant job skills at no cost to their families.
Student and Alumni Success Stories
During the visit, the personal stories of students and graduates provided powerful evidence of the program's impact. Two individuals in particular, graduate Whitney Hice and senior Myah Benjamin, stood out.
From P-TECH Graduate to Industry Administrator
Whitney Hice, who completed the high school portion of her P-TECH pathway in 2019, shared her journey. She explained that many of her peers in a traditional setting did not initially consider higher education. For her, P-TECH offered an opportunity to earn a degree without the typical time and financial barriers.
Hice recalled the program's early days, remembering tours of a building that was still a concept with empty spaces. "The excitement and the energy on that day alone was phenomenal. Everyone was so excited to actually see what the program was going to be," she said.
Since graduating, Hice has built a successful career at Bush Industries. Starting in an entry-level position, she has advanced to an administrative role where she manages major accounts with retailers like Walmart and Wayfair.
A Student's Journey of Confidence
Senior Myah Benjamin also made a significant impression on the commissioner. Benjamin came to P-TECH from a small Catholic school with only eight students in her eighth-grade class. The transition was initially daunting, but a summer bridge program helped her feel comfortable and confident before the school year began.
Dr. Rosa was particularly struck by Benjamin's individuality and poise. Benjamin, who wore a sparkling jacket for the visit, explained her mindset: "I don’t need to give up my girlness just to fit in with these boys."
During a tour of the campus workshops, Benjamin presented her custom-built robot to Dr. Rosa, which she had personalized with jewels. The commissioner later referred to Benjamin as her "shero," impressed by her passion and self-assurance.
Building More Than Just Skills
Dr. Rosa, a former high school principal, noted the strong sense of community at P-TECH. She observed that the alternative setting encourages students to take pride in their education in a way that differs from traditional schools. "This is home for them," she remarked. "They feel safe, they feel that they own this place."
A Model for the Future of Education
The tour of the P-TECH campus included visits to the welding shop and classrooms for electronics and robotics. In each area, students presented their work to Dr. Rosa and her team, demonstrating the practical skills they have acquired.
As a token of appreciation, students presented the commissioner with a custom-designed charcuterie board they had created. While the gift was well-received, Dr. Rosa emphasized that the lasting impression was the students' forward-thinking mindset.
"Not only are they learning, they are thinking about their future," Dr. Rosa observed. "They are thinking about economic development as part of their education."
Embodying the 'Portrait of a Graduate'
The commissioner concluded her remarks by linking the students' achievements to a key statewide initiative known as "NY Inspires," which promotes the concept of a "portrait of a graduate." This idea focuses on developing well-rounded individuals prepared for life after school.
For Dr. Rosa, the students at WNY P-TECH were a living embodiment of this goal. Their ability to innovate, problem-solve, and plan for their futures showcased the success of the educational model.
"What I saw today were portraits of the graduate," Rosa concluded. "Personally, seeing the portraits of graduates here is inspirational. NY Inspires, they inspire."
