New SUNY ATTAIN Lab Opens in Schenectady Outreach Center
The Schenectady Outreach Center (SOC), a division of SUNY Schenectady, now includes a new SUNY Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) Lab which opens the door to expanded access to technology, digital literacy training, and workforce development opportunities, offering more local residents the opportunity to improve their computer literacy skills at no cost, to get them started while they are career planning or advancing their education.
For more than two decades, ATTAIN Labs across New York State have successfully served economically disadvantaged and digitally under-resourced communities by providing free access to technology, digital literacy coursework, career exploration tools, and certifications that support employment and educational attainment. The SOC’s SUNY ATTAIN Lab is part of a network of 33 labs statewide and provides 24 computer workstations, high speed internet and an interactive ViewBoard. The ATTAIN Lab is managed by Linda Wicks, ATTAIN Lab Coordinator, who offers digital inclusion through digital literacy, Microsoft certification training, and industry-recognized certifications to prepare individuals for career paths in Information Technology. ATTAIN is celebrating 25 years of Access to Digital Literacy and opening a new lab in Schenectady embodies the mission of providing access to community members across New York State.
SUNY Schenectady President Dr. Nicole Reaves said, “For many individuals, access to technology and digital skills can determine whether opportunities are within reach. The SUNY ATTAIN program helps remove those barriers by providing free access to technology, self-directed learning, and workforce-focused training. Participants can gain valuable skills that support employment, continued education, and long-term economic mobility. This lab also represents the strength of partnership between SUNY Schenectady and the Schenectady Outreach Center which has long been rooted in a shared belief that education has the power to transform lives.”
SOC Executive Director Jaimee King said, “The ATTAIN Lab serves as an important on-ramp for individuals who are not yet college-ready or who need digital readiness support to succeed in coursework and navigate online college systems. It also deepens community support by offering a welcoming environment where residents can build skills, explore careers, and transition into non-credit, workforce or credit-bearing programs at the College.”
SOC ATTAIN Lab participant Susan Flynn shared, “The SUNY ATTAIN Lab is a great learning opportunity for Baby Boomers like me. It gives us the chance to learn computer skills and adapt to today's technology-driven world. The courses help us build new skills that can lead to employment opportunities and career growth. The program is easy to access, free of charge, and available when it is convenient for me. I am very thankful for this opportunity and the support it provides.”
The Schenectady Outreach Center, funded by the SUNY University Center for Academic and Workforce Development (SUNY UCAWD), has served thousands of residents in the community since 1977 providing services and support to community residents (not currently enrolled college students) looking to connect to pathways of employment, education, and career and technical training opportunities.
Meet Our Student Government Association Officers and Senators
A slate of SGA officers and senators were voted in by the student body to serve as the voice of the students and they hit the ground running at the beginning of the semester. They have been meeting biweekly, becoming a cohesive student leadership group. Led by SGA President River Henriksen, a Liberal Arts major, SGA members are gearing up for the SUNY Student Assembly Conference in Syracuse in November where they will network with student leaders from other SUNY campuses. They recently hosted Harvest Fest in the Quad which was a big hit.
Meet our student leaders as they share their goals, plans for the future, favorites places on campus, how they balance school with everything else in their lives, even their favorite study snacks, and more. STORY
Largest Number of High Schools Visit Campus for Choral Workshop
281 high school music students were on campus on Oct. 23 for the School of Music’s Annual High School Choral Workshop, an outstanding opportunity for the vocalists to listen to one another, learn from an esteemed guest clinician and School of Music faculty, and discover more about the Music programs at the College. Choirs from these seven Capital Region high schools, the largest number of participating schools since the School of Music has welcomed students to campus for the workshops, performed in the Taylor Auditorium: Schalmont High School, Schoharie High School, Greenwich High School, Shenendehowa High School, Saratoga Springs High School, Niskayuna High School, and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. Then it was time for the SUNY Schenectady Chorus to perform, led by Choral Director Dr. Joseph Han.
Highlights of the daylong program included Guest Clinician Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, Professor Emeritus of Choral and Sacred Music at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, who provided feedback to each choir after they performed. High school students attended sessions with School of Music Faculty members Zach Allen, Dr. Elizabeth Gerbi, Megan Gilkes, Dr. Karen Hosmer, and Christina Pickreign, and School of Music Dean Dr. Christopher Brellochs.
This year, the visiting high school vocalists enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by students and faculty in the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism.
Dr. Han shared, “This workshop is one of the days that I look forward to most each year. It brings together choirs from across the Capital Region to sing, listen, and learn from one another. This year we welcomed a record number of schools, and having Dr. Scheibe, one of the finest choral conductors of our time, work with these young singers was a real gift. Our School of Music faculty also offered seven different 30-minute sessions, each taught several times throughout the day, so the high school students could rotate through and get a real taste of what studying music in college is like. I’m so grateful to my colleagues for sharing their expertise, and to our Culinary Arts program for making the day even more special.”
Guest Chefs Dazzle During 17th Annual Chefs for Success
Guests were treated to delicious cuisine prepared by guest chefs from around the Capital Region during the 17th Annual Chefs for Success hosted by the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism (HCAT) on Oct. 27 in the Van Curler Room.
Thank you to all of the friends of the College and members of our College community who enjoyed a special evening that supports student scholarships. This year’s celebrity chefs were: Chef Stephen Barrett, Fallside Brewing; Chef Nick Gabriel ’14 and ’15, Nicole’s Catering; Chef Brianna Kwiatkowski ’24, OH! Honey Bakery; Chef Rain O’Donnell ’14/’15, Chef Vanessa Schulte ’19, and Baking and Pastry Arts Students, SUNY Schenectady; Chef Cassondra Saddlemire ’18, 30 Park at Hilton Garden Inn; and Chef Shawn Smith ’10, Mazzone Hospitality. Event Menu Coordinator was Chef Giovanni Lontoc and Event Coordinator was Professor Kim Otis.
This evening was extra special with the announcement of the new Strianese Service Award, named in honor of longtime Professor and HCAT Dean Toby Strianese, whose more than 40 years of service helped shape HCAT. The award carries forward his commitment to students, hospitality, and community. Students may earn the award by completing three of five service merits during their time at the College. These merits provide opportunities to give back through community service, supporting College activities, helping fellow students, and demonstrating leadership through service. Industry professionals may also earn the Strianese Service Award by demonstrating a sustained commitment to community service and support for the College. Their contributions may include mentoring students, sharing their expertise through demonstrations and educational events, volunteering for College and community initiatives, or creating internships and other opportunities that help students succeed.
The recipients of the inaugural award were all of the guest chefs, the Baking and Pastry Arts students who worked alongside Chef O’Donnell and Chef Schulte, Joan Dembinski, ’10, and College President Dr. Nicole Reaves.
Events
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