Capital Region BOCES is partnering with the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region to open a new education center in the heart of Albany’s South End.
Located at 153 South Pearl Street, the new Capital Region BOCES Adult Education Campus will provide opportunities for residents to gain the skills and knowledge they need to launch successful careers or advance themselves personally or professionally.
This move is made possible through a partnership with the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, which is poised to launch the first community investment trust in the area, marking a significant milestone for the region. This initiative, a pioneering concept outside of Portland, Oregon, invites students and members of the community to become investors in the building, the community, and the broader region.
“This new location is a perfect opportunity for us to better serve our adult students, build our education offerings, and expand our community and business partnerships,” said Michael Markou, Adult Education Program Manager at Capital Region BOCES.
“We are thrilled to welcome Capital Region BOCES,” Linda MacFarlane, Executive Director of the Community Loan Fund, said. “This collaboration marks a significant investment in fostering educational excellence within the South End neighborhood. BOCES’ commitment to providing high-quality programs and technical education aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide entrepreneurs with the skills and training they need to succeed.”
The new center will continue to deliver an array of adult education and community programs, including High School Equivalency and English as a Second Language classes, and collaborative programs with partners such as Albany Can Code, Northeast New York Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health (NENYCOSH), Ready, Set, Work among other partners.
In the preceding 2022-23 school year, Capital Region BOCES served nearly 400 adult students at its previous South End location. Among these students were a significant number of immigrants and individuals seeking new pathways through BOCES programs.
“This new campus plays an indispensable role for BOCES, aligning with our goals to provide information and skills directly to our community members, wherever they may be,” said Markou. “BOCES remains dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of all our students, regardless of their life stage or current circumstances, while simultaneously contributing to a highly skilled and educated workforce, enriching the broader Capital Region.”
The South Pearl Street campus now joins the roster of several other Capital Region locations where BOCES extends its adult education services. These include, but are not limited to, the West Hill/Arbor Hill Literacy Zone, Albany Public Library, Bryant & Stratton College, Albany County Probation offices, and the Career & Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.
Adult education programs are offered throughout the year. For more information on any program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/adult-education/classes-programs/, call 518-862-4707 or email jasmine.dixon@neric.org.
For more information about the Community Loan Fund and its community investment trust, visit https://mycommunityloanfund.org/ or https://capitalregioncit.org.