POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Chamber Foundation’s Workforce Development Center is hosting a “Next Gen Summer Academy” to teach students between the ages of 16 and 21 about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) careers, coding, robotics, virtual reality, 3-D printing, and other technological fields.
Marilyn Figueroa, director of Workforce Development for the Workforce Development Center at the Chamber, said the program is a three-week summer school with intensive training. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. and going until 3:00 p.m. each weekday beginning on August 7, 2023, every hour of the student’s day is accounted for, including healthy breakfasts and lunches.
The program is accepting applications until August 4, 2023, according to Figueroa.
“It’s an entry-level program that will provide students with insight into an array of technological fields,” said Figueroa. The Next Gen Summer Academy is open to all Dutchess County youths between 16 and 21 years old. The academy does give priority to lower-income students who express an interest.
“In today’s dynamic job market, technology skills are a must have,” she said. “The program prepares youth with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”
The academy is free and students that complete the courses are eligible for a $200 stipend.
Again stressing the need for students to learn coding technology, Figueroa said “Surprisingly, at least in the City of Poughkeepsie, it’s not being taught in schools yet, that’s why our Workforce Development Center at the Chamber Foundation really focuses on upscaling the youth and providing these free programs for the areas that don’t really have the supports to teach our youth workforce preparation skills.”
