On Monday, April 27, 2020 the students were treated to a special guest for their Employment Class led by Katie O’Hearn and Lori Ira. This individual happens to be Matt who serves as a top chef at the Albany Marriott Hotel. Matt was on hand to answer the prepared questions that Lori gave him during the Zoom Conference. At the end of the class we allowed the students to ask him things on their mind.
An extension of the College Experience has been their CareerNext Program that is housed at SUNY Schenectady (and new this fall, SUNY Cobleskill). This has been geared toward students who have challenges, but are more academically inclined and have chosen to take on a more rigorous curriculum. There are still residential goals such as learning to cook, clean up after themselves, and shopping within a budget. But there is a greater emphasis on pushing the academic piece of the program.
Since 2005, students enrolled in The College Experience have been a welcomed part of a coeducational college community located in Albany, New York. We partner with Russell Sage College, and our students are welcomed members of both Russell Sage’s Albany and Troy campus communities.
Students are offered a practical core curriculum and a wide variety of electives.
Our dorms are beautifully remodeled city residences located just a few blocks from Russell Sage’s Albany campus. Students live together in groups of 3 – 9. Each student has his or her own bedroom and share common living areas. Seniors serve as mentors to freshmen and assist them in many meaningful ways.
What comes after graduation? Many College Experience students, in fact most, choose to remain in Albany. They maintain friendships with their fellow and former graduates, form romantic partnerships, and some get married.
Through our C2L Program, the College Experience support staff offers dedicated transition support and guidance, helping students in the year after graduation with apartment leases and job placements, and then literally forever after as members of the Living Resources community.