How This Innovative Tech School Is Creating the Next Generation of IT Professionals

State Education Commissioner Impressed by P-TECH Program

When Myah Benjamin decided to enroll at the WNY P-TECH Academy in Dunkirk, she was stepping far outside her comfort zone. Coming from an eighth-grade class at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School with only eight students total, Benjamin thought to herself, "This is going to be interesting."

Now as a senior, Benjamin has become the perfect example of what the Department of Education wants from students across New York state. During a recent campus visit, she earned praise from Dr. Betty Rosa, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Education, who told her, "You're my shero."

Bridging Education and Industry

WNY P-TECH is a regional program that pairs high school, college, and industry experiences to prepare students for high-demand careers. Rosa and her team visited several locations across western New York, including the P-TECH campus, and left extremely impressed with what they saw.

"It was fabulous. It was just fantastic," Rosa said. "Great kids, great place, great leadership. I'm thrilled to be here to see it firsthand."

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology) is a public-private partnership designed to prepare thousands of New York students for high-skills jobs of the future in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.

From Student to Professional Success

One of the most impactful speakers during the visit was Whitney Hice, a P-TECH graduate who now works at Bush Industries in manufacturing furniture. Hice graduated from the high school portion of her educational pathway in 2019 and described how many of her classmates initially didn't see themselves pursuing higher education.

"The excitement and the energy on that day alone was phenomenal," Hice recalled of her early experiences. "Everyone was so excited to actually see what the program was going to be."

Hice's career has advanced rapidly - from an entry-level position to now serving as an administrator managing accounts with major retailers like Walmart and Wayfair.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Rosa was particularly impressed with the sense of belonging that students developed at P-TECH. The alternative education setting inspires students to take pride in their education in ways that traditional settings might not.

"This is home for them," Rosa observed. "This is a good place for them to be. They feel safe, they feel that they own this place, and that is an incredible, powerful way for students to talk about their education."

Breaking Gender Barriers in Tech

As a former high school principal, Rosa noted she was impressed with the diversity at P-TECH, recognizing that many industries like welding and robotics traditionally skew male-dominated.

Benjamin serves as a powerful example that this doesn't have to be the case. She proudly maintained her individuality, wearing a sparkling jacket to meet the commissioner and pink on picture day while classmates wore plain clothing.

"I don't need to give up my girlness just to fit in with these boys," Benjamin told herself.

During the campus tour, Rosa visited welding shops, electronics classrooms, and robotics labs where students presented their work. Benjamin presented her robot to Rosa, featuring jewels in its design to make it uniquely her own.

Preparing for the Future Workforce

Rosa emphasized that students at P-TECH are not just learning - they're actively planning their futures. "Not only are they learning, they are thinking about their future," she said. "They are thinking about economic development as part of their education."

The program represents a new version of the "portrait of a graduate" concept that education leaders have emphasized statewide through NY Inspires initiatives.

"What I saw today were portraits of the graduate," Rosa concluded. "Personally, seeing the portraits of graduates here is inspirational. NY Inspires, they inspire."