ECCA offers students focused career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Business and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology: Computer Networking and Cybersecurity, New Media, and Pathways to Teaching. Participants gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technology, earn certifications, complete work-based learning, job shadowing, mentorships with professionals and solve real-world industry challenges. Students also earn college credits toward an associate degree while still in high school.
Of this year’s graduates, 20 completed the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) program - a rigorous, six-year track that prepares students for technology-driven industries. PTECH students begin in middle school and continue through high school into two years of college, equipping them with skills and credentials that make them career-ready.
SUNY Adirondack President Dr. Kristine Duffy, who is retiring, addressed the graduates in one of her final speeches as president.
“You did it. You showed up early - literally - for college courses, you put in the work and you accomplished something truly remarkable,” Dr. Duffy said. “Regardless of what you want to do, know this - you are ahead of the game. You have ideas and ambition. You are exactly where you need to be. Keep going forward.”
Several students received special awards for Citizenship, Leadership and a SkillsUSA Scholarship. In addition, four students earned the Maureen VanBuren Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the late ECCA Special Projects Administrator. The VanBuren family attended the ceremony to personally present the awards to Trevor Baker (Advanced Manufacturing), Kendall Merlow (Business and Entrepreneurship), Austin Hart (Information Technology) and Aydan Higgins (New Media). Each was recognized for their passion, dedication and plans to further their education.
Graduates Robin Carroll (Business and Entrepreneurship) and Trevor Baker (Advanced Manufacturing) also spoke at the event, reflecting on their experiences in ECCA, the knowledge they gained and the friendships they formed.
Members of the Class of 2025 are heading to the workforce, the military or continuing their education at a variety of institutions, including Albany College of Pharmacy, Alfred University, Brockport University, Clarkson University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Endicott College, Hudson Valley Community College, IE University in Segovia, Spain, Ithaca College, Pratt Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, Russell Sage College, Sacred Heart University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Suffolk University, SUNY Adirondack, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, SUNY Purchase, University at Buffalo, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of San Diego, Utica College and William Penn University in Iowa.
A number of graduates have accepted full-time job offers in their fields, and one student will be joining the United States Navy.
The Early College Career Academy continues to provide students with a competitive edge as they move confidently toward their future careers and academic pursuits.
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