In late October, representatives from Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) visited high school students interested in social impact careers and pathways into higher education. Led by CCPA Assistant Dean Andrea Decker, the team hosted a series of mini roundtable sessions that allowed students to engage directly with professionals in the field. “Having a very prestigious university right in our backyard is amazing, yet it's always surprising to see how it can be overlooked by our local students. An opportunity to hear from BU, and the several colleges that make up the university, allows our students to consider staying in the area while receiving a top-notch, affordable, education. Helping students see multiple pathways to attend BU, if going there directly from HS isn't possible, is also a great opportunity for our students,” said Angela Ciaravino MEHS School Counselor.
The College of Community and Public Affairs is one of six schools at Binghamton University. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including human development, teaching, social work, public administration, higher education, and more. The college’s mission centers on preparing students for social impact careers and developing leaders who shape communities, organizations, and public systems.
BU CCPA alumni have gone on to become CEOs, CFOs, classroom teachers, social workers, directors, and leaders across nonprofit, government, and education settings. Many work in local school districts throughout the Broome-Tioga BOCES region, including several teachers and administrators right here at Maine-Endwell. School Mental Health Site Supervisor Shannon Verdon, also a CCPA grad, credits the school for helping prepare her for a dream career.
“When I was in high school, I was never really good at science or math and my grades weren't great, but I knew I wanted to get into the helping profession and ultimately attend SUNY Binghamton,” said Verdon.
To reach that goal, she began her education at SUNY Broome, completing prerequisite coursework before transferring into BU. “I was able to get that done after 1.5 years and then was able to attend Binghamton University's College of Community and Public Affairs and got my Bachelor’s in Human Development. It also saved me a lot of money in the process! I am thankful to be now working for Binghamton University through The Binghamton University Center for Community Schools and am currently in the process of getting my advanced certificate in community schools through Binghamton University,” said Verdon.
One of the most significant benefits of partnerships between our district and higher education institutions like BU is the ability to provide students with direct access to university resources, and a jump-start on their academic careers. This includes our Early College Program, and “Fast-Forward” classes, which allow students to earn college level credits while still in high school. For Maine-Endwell students, visits like these offer more than information – they provide inspiration. Hearing from professionals who have navigated similar paths helps students see themselves in those roles, while understanding that college and career trajectories don’t always follow a straight line. Through partnerships like this, Maine-Endwell continues to expand opportunities for students to explore meaningful futures, discover their passions, and build the foundation for careers that make a difference in the world.