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January 9, 2019Animated Freshman Has Designs for a Fairy Tale Future Thanks to P-TECH
Schalmont freshman Elizabeth Hess is an aspiring animator.
A self-described extrovert, Hess likes working with others to not only learn, but solve problems and grow.
To achieve her dreams and accommodate her desire to collaborate, as well as fast-track her career success, Hess enrolled in the new Capital Region
BOCES Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program for its inaugural 2018-19 school year.
Now, Hess is exploring not only computer graphics and 3D design, but also computer science and numerous other subjects in a program that will allow her to earn an associate degree for free.
She is one of about three-dozen students in the innovative four- to six-year program (grades 9-14) offered to students throughout the region through a consortium that includes Capital Region BOCES, the Capital Region Chamber, Hudson Valley Community College and SUNY Schenectady County Community College. The program has two campuses – east campus is at Watervliet High School, west campus at the Center for Advanced Technology at Mohonasen – and provides pathways for students to earn free college degrees in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity.
“I’ve always been interested in coding and video games and the like. I thought it would be a great opportunity to take a big step for my future,” said Hess, who studies at the Mohonasen location.
The P-TECH curriculum focuses on engaging students in hands-on, project-based learning to be successful in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and providing students with workplace skills that will ensure success, no matter the career path they applied to. Through the program, business partners provide students access to cutting-edge technologies and innovations that allow them to see the real-world application of the knowledge they are gaining at P-TECH.
By enrolling in P-TECH, Hess said she is learning how to work towards her goals with others.
“I am a people person. I do better working with people than sitting at a desk by myself, so I like the group learning and collaboration part of it.”
Hess said she plans to earn the two-year degree through P-TECH and then go onto college to study animation and launch a career in the growing industry.
“I like bringing a smile to people’s faces.… Whether I do it through video game animation or cartoon or movie animation, I want to work in the industry and make people smile.” Hess said.
Hess, like many of her classmates, also understands the value of the P-TECH program.
“I am getting an education that otherwise would cost a lot of money, and I am getting it for free. That’s amazing,” she said.
A pair of open houses to learn more about the P-TECH program will be held Jan. 9 at the Mohonasen Center for Advanced Technology and Watervliet Junior-Senior High School with two starting times – 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information on the P-TECH program, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/capital-region-p-tech/.
