NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS FRIDAY: PD Day
A coalition of 16 leading Capital Region colleges and universities came to Â鶹ӰÒô High School on Wednesday to formally launch a collaborative initiative designed to increase degree attainment, strengthen the regional workforce and reinforce the lasting impact of postsecondary education.
The Capital Region Higher Ed Alliance brings together public and private institutions representing the entire spectrum of higher education opportunities: community colleges, four-year colleges, research universities, professional and law schools, online and in-person models, and rural and urban institutions.
The collaborative mission: to increase higher education attainment across the Capital Region, elevate completion rates and shape a confident, student-centered conversation about the value of earning a credential or degree.
Grounded in the belief that "College Is a Brave Choice," the alliance affirmed that choosing higher education reflects long-term thinking and belief in one’s future. Its institutions are committed to matching that courage with the support, opportunity and measurable outcomes worthy of students’ ambition.
"When school districts, higher education institutions, and business leaders align, we create something powerful: a visible and attainable pathway from classroom to career," said City School District of Â鶹ӰÒô Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter. "That is what this campaign represents. It is a regional commitment to tell students the truth about opportunity. To remind them that pursuing knowledge, pursuing education and pursuing college — even in moments of uncertainty — is an act of courage.
"And when our region stands together, we send students an even more powerful message: That the future being built in the Capital Region is not just happening around them. It is waiting for them."
Russell Sage College President Dr. Matthew Shaftel and SUNY Cobleskill President Dr. Marion Terenzio co-chair the new alliance. University at Â鶹ӰÒô President Dr. Havidan Rodriguez also was among the speakers at Wednesday's announcement.
Sage students Jasmin Rodriguez Martinez -- a 2022 Â鶹ӰÒô High graduate -- and Ron Espinal also were among the program speakers.
“Higher education remains one of the most reliable pathways to opportunity in the Capital Region,” Dr. Shaftel said. "College is a brave choice. But it is not always an easy choice. Students commit time, effort and resources toward growth and opportunity, often before the return is realized.
"As institutions, we have a responsibility to meet that courage with transparency, accountability and meaningful outcomes. This alliance ensures that we are backing up that conversation with results and doing that work together."
You can to read more about the alliance, its mission and its goals.
The alliance also is partnering with the Capital Region Chamber on the initiative to help connect the business community, and the region's future workforce development goals, into the conversation.
"The Capital Region’s colleges and universities are among our greatest assets for building a strong workforce and a competitive regional economy,” said Mark Eagan, president and CEO of the chamber and the Center for Economic Growth. “By working together through the Capital Region Higher Ed Alliance, these institutions are helping ensure more residents can earn degrees and access the opportunities that keep talent and economic growth strong in our region.”