Newburgh Free Academy P-TECH Program Celebrates 33 More SUNY Orange Graduates
NFA P-TECH celebrated 33 more scholars who have earned their AAS degree in Cybersecurity from SUNY Orange. Twenty-six (26) of those scholars earned both their high school diploma and Associate Degree from SUNY Orange simultaneously through the NFA P-TECH program in four years.
Throughout the program's 12 year history, a total of 194 of graduates have earned their AAS degrees through the NFA P-TECH program that partners with IBM and SUNY Orange. Those who have not graduated with their Associate Degree have transferred their credits to four-year colleges or entered the military or workforce.
Highlights of this year’s graduating class include:
Five students who were awarded $5,000 in scholarship checks as a result of being named National Winners in the U.S. Department of Education AI Challenge for their winning entry, YourT.E.A.M. (Therapeutic Enhanced AI Monitor). Their creation aims to revolutionize the field of rehabilitative physical therapy. Recognizing that traditional PT often relies on subjective self-reporting by patients, which can lead to slow recovery or reinjury, the team developed an AI-driven system that uses wearable technology and smart devices to collect objective, 24/7 data. Emily Pham, Lesley Trinidad, Yahir Rosas, Aaron Villano, and Eric Amaya will continue their journeys at SUNY Albany, Stony Brook University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and through the Police Academy and apprenticeship opportunities at SUNY Orange
Amani Learry, who has committed to play Division I Volleyball at LeMoyne College, to continue her studies in cybersecurity.
Markus Constancio, who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by finalizing his project of leading the construction of a gaga ball pit at Kristi Babcock Park in New Windsor, NY, for the youth in the community.
Josiah Placide, the youngest member of SUNY Orange’s graduating class, who recently competed in Section IX’s tennis championship rounds, finishing fourth in the section.
More about the NFA P-TECH program:
P-TECH, which stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. At NFA, each year, a total of 50 scholars are accepted into a cohort through a lottery admissions process. The P-TECH model typically can span up to six years, starting in ninth grade, continuing through Associate Degree completion. It combines traditional high school coursework with college-level classes and workplace experiences. The goal is to prepare scholars for both college and career success by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge in STEM fields. Some scholars choose to begin working or transfer to a four-year college upon high school graduation.
NFA is making history all around the world. Today, there are P-TECH programs in 28 countries, and 14 that are modeling the work that NFA P-TECH has achieved. NFA opened with its first scholars in 2014. In June, there will be a celebration of NFA P-TECH seniors, welcoming families, faculty, staff, and alumni to recognize their accomplishment at Kaplan Hall at SUNY Orange.
PHOTOS | NFA P-TECH Program Celebrates 18 More SUNY Orange Graduates!
Photos taken by Sharif Washington.
Congratulations to our NFA P-TECH Class of 2026!
Briana Alvarez
Aaliyah Baker
Aliyah Bullock
Josiah Burden-Ortiz
Jayden Channer
Markus Constancio
Jasmine Davila
Denise Gonzales
Kimora Johnson
Sydney King
Zori Knight
Amani Learry
Brandon Machuca
Amaiya Macon
Elisa Mejia
Jordan Oates
Gabriela Pena
Emily Pham
Josiah Placide
Yahir Rosas
Amirah Royster
Liliana Smith
Joe Soto
Janeilla Stewart
Chloe Torres-Diaz
Lesley Trinidad
Aldwin Valdez
Anneliese Vargas
Aaron Villano
Kevin Wallace
Ashawnna Ward
Anecia Williams-Finch
Jack Zhingri
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
