Newburgh Free Academy’s P-TECH Summer Program Builds Futures This Summer
More than 130 Newburgh Enlarged City School District P-TECH students were busy this summer engaging in powerful learning experiences in high school and college courses and in the workforce at IBM.
Ninth Grade: Building a Strong Foundation
Forty eight incoming ninth-grade scholars began their P-TECH journey by participating in the Summer Bridge Program. Students participated in three strands: Professional Skills, Team-building, and STEM Lab. Each strand invited students to engage in hands-on activities to ease the social and academic transition from middle school to high school.
Some activities students participated in were building and launching bottle rockets, hearing from P-TECH alumni and IBM and SUNY Orange employees, exploring AI uses and constraints, practicing public speaking for authentic audiences, and learning about local history at Downing Park.
These experiences help students develop friendships, build confidence, and practice the collaborative skills that will be essential throughout their P-TECH experience.
Tenth Grade: Math Preparation Academy
Sophomore scholars strengthened their academic foundation with their college Calculus teacher in the Algebra Bridge program. The three week program helped students prepare for advanced mathematics and college-level coursework by focusing on algebra and geometry review, critical thinking and problem-solving, preparation for college placement and small-group and individualized support
Because the jump from high school classes to college courses can be intense, these three weeks of extra support ensure students are well prepared for the increasing academic rigor of the P-TECH pathway. Rising P-TECH sophomore Grace Cruz said, “I came in without motivation and came out with confidence.”
Another student, Sofia Sosa, ended the program saying, “It’s not about being perfect, it's about the journey that comes with it.”
11th graders: Summer College Courses
P-TECH scholars also have the opportunity to earn college credit during the summer through SUNY Orange. Courses expose students to college expectations while accelerating progress toward their associate degree. P-TECH students are currently enrolled in Criminology and Computer Literacy Courses with SUNY Orange professors.
By taking college courses while still in high school, students continue making progress toward earning an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at no cost to their families.
12th graders: IBM Internships
One of the defining features of the P-TECH program is its partnership with IBM. Eligible upperclassmen are currently participating in paid summer internships, working
alongside IBM professionals.
Senior Nicole Farnsworth explained the work they are doing: “This summer, we have been working with IBM mentors to create and present AI optimization solutions to issues in the finance sector, medical industry, or in communications and media. At the end of the six week internship, we will present our solutions to IBM at a symposium.”
Alongside these collaborative projects, students are engaging in IBM SkillsBuild curriculum, which is helping them grow the technical and durable skills they will need to be successful in future STEM careers. Intern Nguyen Vu noted that, “we are gaining hands on experience at IBM by contributing to team projects and strengthening professional workplace skills.”
A large portion of NFA P-TECH graduates end up working in the computer science sector, especially at IBM locations across the country.
Story and photos provided by: NFA PTECH
Joyce D'Imperio - Science
Jackie Hall - English
Christine Baumann - English
Eric Waliszewski - Math
Torrance Harvey - Social Studies
Joanna Muller - Math
Ryan Donovan - Math
Krystal Alonge - Special Education
Melinda Martinez - ENL
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
