Students in the Skills for Employment, Life and Functional Independence (SELFI) program celebrated a successful end to their work-based learning experience during a graduation ceremony attended by their families, BOCES staff and community and business partners.
The students were honored for accumulating nearly 500 work-based learning hours this year.
“We’ve had an incredible and busy year here at the Capital Region BOCES administrative building and out in the community. Every student in our program has accumulated close to 500 hours of work-based learning, adding to an amazing 6,000 total hours of hands-on experience,” said Brent Pierce, Special Education and lead SELFI Program teacher.
Pierce added that his students—many of whom have been with the program for at least two years and at BOCES since early childhood—have not only gained real-world job experiences, but have also developed invaluable skill sets that are helping them to become well-rounded adults.
“These aren’t just jobs, they’re real-world experiences that help our students build soft skills like teamwork, communication and problem solving,” he said. “They learn to ask questions, adapt and grow more confidently each day, skills they will carry with them beyond BOCES. SELFI students are a hard working, kind and resilient group of young men and women.”
SELFI Program graduate Elizabeth Lorini thanked her teachers for helping her achieve and maintain a solid work ethic, learn teamwork and build confidence. Students and BOCES staff also praised and awarded certificates of appreciation to the program’s community and business partners, including representatives from Price Chopper supermarkets, Metro Ford, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Bethel Full Gospel Church in Rotterdam.
“One thing that I admire most about this program is how it serves as a bridge, helping students transition from school to becoming meaningful contributing members of their communities,” said John Clausson, principal of the Capital Region BOCES Special Education in-district programs. “That bridge would not exist without the collaboration and generosity of our community partners. You should be immensely proud of the young adults sitting here today. They are kind, strong and full of potential.”
The ceremony served as a warm send-off for students who are exiting the program and a kudos to those who will be returning for additional work-based instruction in September.
“The skills and experience that you have gained through this program will prepare you for great things. You’ve gone from ambassadors of BOCES to ambassadors of your own futures and I cannot wait to see all the places you’ll go. Congratulations, class of 2025,” said Clausson.