Colonie Community Connection — a work-based initiative that focuses on developing broad, transferable skills for success both in and out of the classroom — was unveiled Tuesday during a celebratory ribbon cutting at the new classroom space at the mall.
"We are excited to celebrate the success of our students and faculty who have been participating and facilitating this program since fall," South Colonie Superintendent David Perry said. "We continue to be grateful for the partnerships that we have been able to establish with many Colonie Center businesses during the first half of the academic year and now that we have been able to put some finishing touches on our classroom space."
The Colonie Community Connection work program will provide students with opportunities for career exploration and foster independence while establishing relationships in the community.
Boscov's, L.L. Bean, Christmas Tree Shops, Sports Zone, PCX Apparel are among the retail stores working with the district. Students will intern at the retail stores and after completing a certain number of training hours, will be eligible for a paid position.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Colonie Community Connection Program." Colonie Center General Manager Jeff Law said. "It is a unique program that provides these students the opportunity to learn both in the classroom and in the business world. Welcome to Colonie Center!"
Each student in the Colonie Community Connection work program participates in academic classroom activities and then applies the knowledge and skills learned to real-world situations.
Colonie Community Connection teacher Deirdre Locke said creating opportunities outside of the classroom is "a win-win" for the school community and business partners.
"More importantly, it strengthens our students' ability to become quality employees and citizens in our community," she said.
The program supplements another new initiative at the Colonie Central High School known as the PAES Lab.
Created in 2020, Practical Assessment Exploration System was designed to assist students with developing the necessary skill sets to become employed in today's economy. The Lab can help to assess a student's competitive work potential and interest level, while simultaneously exploring various jobs, using real tools, and developing proper work behaviors.
Special education students become proficient in professional areas like consumer service, construction, computer technology, business marketing and production. The PAES Lab can potentially help prepare students for the Colonie Community Connection program at Colonie Center Mall.
The district is currently accepting additional partners within Colonie Center to participate in the program.
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