Tech students celebrated at Rockland Community College

Pictured: P-Tech students (l-r) Jaydon Estevez (North Rockland), Kelly Gutierrez (East Ramapo), Chris Harris (Nyack), RCC President Michael Baston, Rockland BOCES Superintendent Charlene Jordan, James Holtzman (Suffern), Anthony Pichardo (North Rockland), Jeremy Soto (Suffern), Austin Vazquez (South Orangetown), and Richardson Vil (East Ramapo).​

The inaugural class of Rockland BOCES’ Hudson Valley P-TECH program was recognized in a joyous completion ceremony June 20 at Rockland Community College, a program partner. Eight students representing five Rockland County school districts embarked four years ago on a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)-based program that culminated in the completion celebration and positioned them to obtain their associate’s degrees from RCC by 2020.

“Rockland Community College believes in the power of partnership,” said Dr. Michael Baston, who just completed his first year as RCC president. “We are so proud of the first class to have completed our P-TECH program. The students of this program not only received their high school diploma but also earned important credits toward their college degree. Many of these students might not have considered going to college. The P-TECH program and the engagement between the college and high school partners made it all possible.”

The students received classroom instruction as well as valuable workplace learning with participating companies. The students are on track to earn associate’s degrees in one of three disciplines – computer information technology, engineering, and green building technology – and have a leg up on employment opportunities with the program’s private-sector partners after graduation. The list of participating companies includes such well-known Rockland institutions and businesses as Orange & Rockland, Suez Water, Wickes Arborists, Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Learning Center, Michael Shilale Architects, Computuners, and Rockland County Meals on Wheels.

While students have up to six years to complete the high school-college program, four of the eight students in the Class of 2018 are on pace to secure their associate’s degrees within five years, by June 2019.

“Our small, but mighty group of students took a chance on a new approach to secondary education four years ago,” said Dr. Charlene Jordan, Rockland BOCES’ district superintendent. “Today, these trailblazers remind us that hard work, creative thinking, perseverance and a love of learning lead to success, both academically and personally. Their classroom and workplace experiences have played a major role in strengthening the Hudson Valley P-TECH program for all those students coming behind them. This very special school represents a true symbiotic partnership between Rockland BOCES and Rockland Community College.”

Starting in ninth grade, students in P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) are able to earn transcript college credit and begin their career “pathways” toward middle-level skilled jobs. The program’s tuition costs are borne by the students’ home school districts under BOCES’ cooperative set-up.

Hudson Valley P-TECH is one of 32 regional branches of the program across New York State.

“We are so excited that many of our P-TECH students will be starting RCC in the fall,” said Dr. Baston, “and we know they’ll be able to proceed when they complete with confidence and a bright future.”

The following students received their high school completion certificates at the ceremony for the Hudson Valley P-TECH program:

  • Jaydon Estevez, North Rockland
  • Kelly Gutierrez, East Ramapo (also the senior speaker)
  • Chris Harris, Nyack
  • James Holtzman, Suffern
  • Anthony Pichardo, North Rockland
  • Jeremy Soto, Suffern
  • Austin Vazquez, South Orangetown
  • Richardson Vil, East Ramapo

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