education

Lydia Geiger is the second winner of a 2020 John Mikulski Scholarship announced by the Genesee Wyoming Music Educators Association. 

Geiger is a senior at Batavia High School. Her primary interest is flute.

Press release:

When asked what her greatest HS memory was Lydia responded: 
College visits and auditions, masterclasses, lessons, and playing in orchestras.

Lydia's goal is to become a music educator and performer.

When asked what her favorite performance venue she had performed at she responded: 
The Musical Arts Center at The Jacobs School of Music in 2018 with the Indiana University Summer Music Clinic Orchestra. We performed Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5.

Lydia's main influences are her music teachers.

Lydia is undecided as to where she will be attending school for Music however she has these amazing colleges to choose from: 
Schulich School of Music at McGill University, Ithaca College, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, or SUNY Potsdam.

Lydia is very excited to be performing at the Wiener Musikverein in Vienna, Austria with the Honors Performance Series in 2021.

Students at St. Joseph Regional School helped produced this video for their teachers as part of Teacher Appreciation Week. 

His primary instrument is guitar. He also plays tenor sax, trombone and bass guitar.

Press release:

WHEN ASKED WHAT HIS GREATEST HS MUSICAL MEMORY IS, LOWELL RESPONDED:

"Being a part of the Alexander Jazz Experience was not only the most wholesome and fulfilling introduction to Jazz, but it also left me with a gratitude and sense of preparedness for performing in ensembles."

Lowell's goal is to work in the music industry as a composer/arranger, and songwriter. He currently enjoys spending time composing and producing using Abelton Live.

WHEN ASKED WHAT HIS FAVORITE PERFORMANCE AND VENUE WAS HE RESPONDED:

"The Riviera Theater in Buffalo in 2017 for the Music is Arts Festival with the Alexander Jazz Experience. We played a combination of jazz standards such as Cold Duck Time and St. Thomas as well as some Funk/Fusion jams such as Chameleon and Watermelon Man."

Lowell's main influences are: His teacher Dan Klinczar, Michael League of Snarky Puppy, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Stephen Sondheim.

Lowell will be attending SUNY Purchase in the fall where he will be studying Studio Composition! We wish him luck and are so proud of all of his accomplishments.

As if graduating high school during a global pandemic isn't hard enough, thousands if not millions of high school seniors have another struggle before them. What to do next?

Tomorrow, May 1st, is often referred to as "Decision Day" for college-bound seniors who must decide what college or university they will attend in the fall. On the eve of that all-important day, I would like to ease some of the stress and strain by suggesting a very viable alternative that is affordable, safe and within reach of millions of young Americans -- the community college "Visit Year."

Given these uncertain times, many seniors and their families are considering a "gap year" that typically involves waiting a year before investing the time and resources for full-time college enrollment. During this one-year postponement, some young adults work full-time to build up their bank account, while others may squeeze in a little travel that helps refine their college application essays. Gap years allow personal growth, and for some the exploration of interests and a boost to maturity.

The community college Visit Year offers all that, but also helps young minds focus on collegiate challenges without falling off or down any learning curves. It enriches the gap year with meaningful engagement that applies to and enables the student's long-term goals and aspirations. And it comes packaged with a variety of community colleges benefits that are often ignored until something like a COVID-19 or a tough economy comes along. Here are the major benefits:

Visit Year Benefit #1: Why take an intro course in a large lecture hall with a hundred other students when the same course is taught in GCC's classroom with only a dozen students? Students not only save a lot of money by taking courses such as PSY101, COM101 or HIS101 at GCC, but with the student to instructor ratio being 14:1, students enjoy plenty of one-on-one interaction and support. The State University of New York (SUNY) Pathways program ensures these college credits are SUNY transferrable. It makes sense and "cents" to earn general education course credit during a community college Visit Year.

Visit Year Benefit #2: Enterprising young students take Benefit #1 to the goal line, graduating from GCC with an associate degree allowing them to transfer as juniors, thus saving a full two years of tuition while earning their bachelor's degree.

Visit Year Benefit #3: Transfer students still earn the prestigious degree from the well-known and respected four-year institution they had set their sights on, but they save two full years of costly tuition. We often say, "The smartest young adults earn their pedigree degrees, but they start them here at GCC."

Visit Year Benefit #4: Many young adults aren't sure what occupation they want, and a community college is the perfect place to explore. The low cost of tuition means you can change majors many times without breaking the bank or acquiring huge student loans. You also meet and work directly with faculty who are at the cutting-edge of their field, yet focused on student success rather than academic research. The Visit Year brings this opportunity to your doorstep, or computer screen.

Visit Year Benefit #5: GCC has seven campus locations in four counties and hundreds of online courses. We may be the college closest to home, but our degrees and opportunities will take you anywhere you want to go. In addition, if a college course will be delivered online, why not take it for a lot less money and closer to home?

Postponing the start of the college experience might bring some reassurance during this time of acute uncertainty, but why take this academic intermission when there is the opportunity to forge ahead that brings vast tuition savings, a high quality and high-tech education, and important, beneficial connections with your local community. Turn your gap year into a Visit Year -- visit your local community college to get started!

For high school seniors in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties, you can start this summer through the Genesee Promise Plus scholarship program that offers free tuition for up to two summer courses at Genesee Community College. Go to www.genesee.edu/promise and apply before June 19.

Decision Day just got a lot easier.

(Photo courtesy of GCC.)

Submitted by Principal Tim McArdle.

Press release:

Little Hands Preschool in Bergen is accepting applications for fall enrollment.

There are openings in the 2-year-old Playgroup as well as the 3- and 4-year-old Preschool classes for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Little Hands Preschool is located at 27 S. Lake Ave. (Route 19) and is a ministry of Bergen United Methodist Church.

It offers a Christian environment that teaches children that they are loved by God while equipping them with the academic and social skills necessary for kindergarten.

People can visit the Facebook page for Little Hands Preschool at Bergen UMC or its website for pricing and more information. Phone is (585) 494-1312.

Submitted photo and press release:

Head Start, a preschool program of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, is taking applications for the 2020-21 academic year.

Head Start has centers in Albion, Batavia, Kendall and Medina, with an enrollment of 189 children.

Since 1965, Head Start has provided quality comprehensive services in Education & Child Development, Health & Nutrition and Family & Community Engagement at no cost to parents.

At Head Start, every staff member knows each child and family has unique talents and interests of their own.  By partnering with families, providing individualized learning experiences and support, children and families learn, grow and get ready for school.

Children are eligible for the Head Start preschool program if they are 3 years old on or before Sept. 15 or 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, and if they reside in Orleans or Genesee counties.

Priority for enrollment is given to foster children, homeless, families on public assistance or those whose income is below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and children with diagnosed disabilities.

Families may begin the application process by calling the Head Start Administrative Offices at (585) 589-5683. Give your child a “Head Start” that will last a lifetime!

Above, Peggy Marone, director of Leadership Genesee and keynote speaker for GCC's June 6 Virtual Commencement Ceremony.

Press release:

Colleges and universities across the United States have all been confronted with extraordinary challenges to help students complete the Spring 2020 semester, and now the coronavirus pandemic stands to cancel or postpone well-deserved commencement ceremonies.

It is heartbreaking for students and their families to be robbed of this celebration and the formal acknowledgement of their significant achievements.

"With a professional career in higher education for more than three decades, commencement remains my favorite day," said James M. Sunser, president of Genesee Community College. "It is always an honor and delight to watch the graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas and see them celebrate with their family, friends and fellow classmates.

"We could not deprive our college community of this event, and postponement does not accommodate the schedule and the very real demands and obligations of many of our graduates who have jobs or are transferring to other institutions."

Therefore, officials at Genesee Community College decided to create and deliver a commencement ceremony using innovative technology to honor the Class of 2020 and recognize their achievements while simultaneously adhering to the existing social distancing mandates.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, Genesee Community College will launch a Virtual Commencement Ceremony that will be streamed and accessible to all through the College's homepage at www.genesee.edu.

In addition to the Virtual Commencement Ceremony, all members of the Class of 2020 will be invited to return to campus and participate in the College's 53rd Commencement Ceremony in May 2021.

For the upcoming June 6th ceremony, plans are underway to develop a well-prepared online presentation that includes most of the College's commencement traditions, and then a robust social media exchange will also take place. 

This special, all new, online ceremony will include commemorating remarks from President Sunser, along with messages from a few GCC professors and instructors, music and the announcement of each graduate's name.

The keynote address will be given by Peggy Marone, the director of Leadership Genesee since its inception in 2001, which now has more than 500 graduates including nearly 20 GCC employees. 

A native of Genesee County, Marone's leadership extends beyond the borders of Genesee County. In addition to the more than 500 individuals who have benefitted from participation in Leadership Genesee (LG), Marone led a team of LG alumni and Orleans County leaders to launch Leadership Orleans, currently in its third year of operation. She also consulted with Leadership Ontario as their planning committee developed the framework for their program.

She was named a NYS Woman of Distinction in 2015 by Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, who represents the NYS 61st Senate District, and Marone was recognized in 2009 as YWCA Fabulous Female for her work with Leadership Genesee and many other volunteer initiatives.

As a longtime friend of GCC, she served as chair of the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium on Leadership and Community Life which brought many distinguished national leaders to the College and community, including but not limited to: Thomas Golisano, Jim Boeheim, Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry's, Dr. Donna Fernades who oversaw the transformation of the Buffalo Zoo and two former U.S Congressmen, William Hudnut III and Fred Grandy.

After receiving her Bachelor's of Art in Psychology from St. Bonaventure University, Marone worked in human resources for nearly 30 years in the health care, manufacturing and the hospitality industries. She also served as a consultant for nonprofit organizations, and she remains very active in the local theater arts community.

She is past president and board member of Batavia Players, received an Excellence in Ensemble Acting from the Theatre Association of New York State in 2010 during their annual festival, and a Best Performance by an Actress Award in 2013. She is also a judge for Batavia High School Operation Graduation, a Junior Achievement instructor, a business mentor for Pavilion High School Youth Entrepreneur Academy, and a regular volunteer at the United Way Day of Caring.

As the College continues to develop its virtual commencement, details are available online here.

Press release:

Junior Achievement of Western New York is releasing a free resource for teens titled "Making Sense: Understanding the Financial Impact of COVID-19."

The guide is designed to answer teens’ questions about the economic implications of COVID-19, including “Why are some store shelves empty?”, “Why are some people losing their jobs?” and “Are we going into a recession, or even a depression?”

The guide is available here. (PDF)

“While social distancing is essential to fighting COVID-19, the disease and the steps we must take to address it are having a financial impact. Our goal is to help young people better understand what’s happening,” said Laurie Mahoney, president of Junior Achievement of WNY. "April is Financial Literacy Month, and this is really an important time to be sharing this kind of information.”

The guide is written with middle school and high school students in mind. It uses relatable examples to explain what a recession is, how the Federal Reserve works and steps being taken by government and the private sector to deal with the economic impact associated with COVID-19.

Additionally, to support teachers and parents who may have students finishing school online this semester, JA is also offering free K – 12^th grade resources that are available here.

“JA is doing this so our kids can spend more time planning for and dreaming about tomorrow, and less time worrying about today," said Alycia Ivancie, senior education manager.

Junior Achievement is committed to doing this until we can all be certain again.”

For information about these JA programs, please contact Karyn Winters, executive director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance at:   kwinters@geneseeny.com

Submitted photo and press release:

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many across the world requiring every qualified medical professional to assist with this crisis. Despite the negativity and disruption to daily work and routines, many acts of kindness and generosity have bonded citizens and rekindled devotion to saving lives and minimizing pain or discomfort.

This ripple effect has also made its way to Genesee Community College. In the most difficult times, Antoinette and Emmett Clancy reached out to bear wonderful news.

The Clancy's contacted Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, Jennifer Wakefield, inspired by news stories of selfless medical professionals aiding patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They recounted one emotional story in particular, at Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey last week, when an unidentified man held up a sign to the hospital window thanking medical staff for saving his wife's life.

"And this is why we love what we do as nurses," Antoinette (née Marchese) Clancy said, "directly helping others and making their lives better."

The Clancy's have decided to award an additional 10 scholarships for the 2020/2021 academic year to support second year nursing students who have exhibited dedication and excellence in their first year of study, and promise to continue this distinction in their second year.

"Nurses are the backbone of the medical system. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, there is no better time to recognize nurses and their role in the system," Clancy said.

"Because of the Clancy Family's generosity and love for Genesee Community College and the community in which they were raised, they recognized the need to continue assisting nursing students to complete their education," James M. Sunser, Ed.D., president of Genesee Community College said.

"The increased number of scholarships will not only help in the fight against COVID-19, but will help increase the number of skilled rural nurses in Western New York which we so desperately need."

Last fall, the Antoinette Marchese Clancy Scholarship Fund was established through a generous gift from the Clancy family and recognizes Antoinette, GCC Class of 1974.

Each year going forward, this scholarship will support several second-year GCC nursing students who are academically in the upper third of the class and have illustrated excellence in their clinical performance.

Antoinette Marchese grew up in Batavia and in 1970 graduated from Notre Dame High School where she had met her husband, Emmett Clancy. After working as a nurse's aide at St. Jerome's Hospital, she enrolled at D'Youville College, but transferred and graduated from GCC in 1974 earning the Nursing Excellence Award, an honor that is still very important to her.

The Clancy family, now residing in California, has grown to include five children and 11 grandchildren throughout their 45-year marriage.

The formal recognition reception with the Clancy's in attendance was scheduled next month on May 14. Their visit was to be a highlight of the 50th Anniversary of GCC's Nursing Program and the annual nursing graduation ceremony. The ceremony will be postponed to May 2021.

"Just as the Olympics have been postponed until 2021, so has celebrating the 50th Golden Anniversary of Genesee Community College's Antoinette Marchese Clancy School of Nursing. We will celebrate the 2020 milestone and the success of the program in May 2021," Emmett Clancy said.

Press release:

Today's competitive workforce is in a constant state of evolution even before the COVID-19 Pandemic. The introduction of new systems, products and services, and the drive for improved efficiencies in an ever-challenging marketplace require employers to evaluate, update and realign teams to best meet the changing demands of their industry.

To help employees build their skill sets and keep up, Genesee Community College is excited to open enrollment for its first micro-credential programs available this fall semester, which begins Aug. 31.

Micro-credentials are academic programs, similar to degree programs that have been dramatically trimmed to just nine to 15 credit hours that include only core courses relevant to specific skills, training and knowledge in that discipline.

Designed to be earned in as quickly as one semester, a micro-credential is the ideal way to build a resume to take advantage of career advancement opportunities, get started in a new industry, or even to explore a career path without the commitment of an expensive or time-consuming four-year degree.

GCC's micro-credential programs offer students a high-quality education in a reduced time frame and limited cost -- only course tuition plus course-related books and fees.

The first micro-credential programs GCC has made available for enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester are:

• The Human Resource Management Micro-Credential focuses on human resources including legal compliance, diversity and inclusion, succession planning, recruitment, retention and much more!
• The NYS Coaching Certification Micro-Credential provides a solid first step toward becoming a coach, athletic instructor or trainer. It also satisfies the requirement for anyone seeking a coaching career in any public school in New York State.

"Since its inception, Genesee Community College has prioritized the needs of the communities we serve by helping to ensure our graduates and their employers benefit from the most current and relevant technologies available," said Kathleen (Kate) M. Schiefen, Ed.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

"Micro-credentials allow us to deliver on both of those priorities in a very big way. For many people, from incumbent workers to those facing layoff, a micro-credential in one or two semesters with incredibly reasonable tuition and 100-percent online access can change a career trajectory and help secure a whole family."

The online learning component of the new micro-credentials is another way the programs enable student success, particularly for those who may be juggling the responsibility of family, healthcare needs, transportation issues or jobs.

Upon completion of a micro-credential program, students receive an official college transcript that documents their earned academic credit as well as a specific digital badge that highlights those core skills and competencies that employers search for on resumes, LinkedIn pages and other social media channels.

The digital badge, representing the earned micro-credential, sets a GCC candidate apart from the rest.

Additionally, earned micro-credentials generate SUNY academic college credits which are transferable and can be applied toward additional academic degrees in the future including:

• GCC associate degrees and certificates;
• SUNY to SUNY Pathways and Seamless Transfer programs;
• GCC's many (150+) transfer agreements with baccalaureate institutions;
• Most colleges and universities nationwide.

Individuals who are interested in earning a micro-credential in Human Resource Management should contact, Lina LaMattina, Ph.D., GCC assistant professor and director of Business and Commerce, LMLattina@genesee.edu, 585-343-0055, ext. 6319.

To discuss the NYS Coaching Certification Micro-Credential, contact Becky Dziekan, GCC professor and director of Health and Physical Education, 585-343-0055, ext. 6424 and rldziekan@genesee.edu.

"GCC is excited about developing additional micro-credential programs in the near future," Schiefen added. "While these are ideal for working adults looking to advance in their careers by attaining the skills necessary to keep up with their changing job duties, micro-credentials are also perfect for young adults to help them qualify for entry level positions or to explore brand new career paths."

Submitted photo and press release:

When Batavia High School senior Tyler Murphy heard about a logo contest offered by the Rochester chapter of the American Welding Society, he thought he would create a design that reflects his style but also create something that reflects the work of the industry group.

AWS is a national organization with local and regional chapters, that promotes and encourages the welding trade.

Tyler is a Welding student at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. His inspiration for his drawing is his love of tattoos, and he wanted to incorporate something that portrayed America, hence the use of America's symbolic bird, the bald eagle.

Tyler has Andrew Geye to thank -- the Welding instructor at the Batavia CTE Center shared contest information with Tyler.

“(He) encouraged me to enter the contest," Tyler said. "He knows how much I enjoy drawing."

And Geye says he immediately thought of Tyler when he learned about the logo design competition for students.

“Tyler has a desire and ability to create art with metal and other mediums," Geye said. "Tyler’s drawing for the new AWS T-shirt logo showcases his ability but represents all types of talent here at the Batavia CTE Center.

"The metal trades not only promote the welding industry but advocates for students' success and achievement by cultivating students' confidence and ability through projects such as a logo design competition. I’m extremely proud of Tyler and the efforts he has demonstrated.”

Tyler’s design was selected as the first-place winner of this AWS logo contest and his efforts were recently recognized by Geyer, Paul Kesler, Batavia HS principal; Joe Hussar, Batavia HS counselor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal; and Matt Wolff, AWS Rochester section chairman.

“The AWS Rochester board voted on all designs submitted from local area schools, and Tyler Murphy is the winner," Wolff said. "The American Welding Society Rochester Section presented Tyler with a $500 award for a new T-shirt design."

Tyler was surprised by this award and when asked how he will use the $500, he replied, “I’m ecstatic that my design was chosen. I’m going to buy welding tools.”

The mission of the America Welding Society is to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying. With many local and region chapters, this national nonprofit organization, strives to advance the welding industry through many initiatives including membership, certification, education and research as well as publications and events.

Photo, from left: Joe Hussar, Batavia High School counselor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal; Matt Wolff, AWS Rochester section chairman; Tyler Murphy; Paul Kesler, Batavia HS principal; Andrew Geyer and Tim Gleba, Precision Machining instructor.

We interviewed Merritt Holly, superintendent of the Le Roy Central School District, live and this video is a replay of that stream.

We'll get an update on how the district is dealing with the closure, what's available for students, and families, and how things are going in Le Roy.

If you're unable to view the stream on our home page, click here.  Also, if you follow that link, there is a live chat on YouTube where you can ask questions that I will try to incorporate into the interview.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, and I don't know why, the interview cuts off a minute or so early, a problem on YouTube's end I imagine.

Press release:

“Over the past week, COVID-19 has evolved rapidly. While Genesee County has no confirmed cases, there are confirmed cases in neighboring counties and increased local testing. I believe it is inevitable we will see cases here in Genesee County,” said Rochelle Stein, chair of the Genesee County Legislature.

“With this in mind and after discussion with Paul Pettit, director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, I am declaring a state of emergency for Genesee County. This declaration allows us to procure goods and services as well as required and available assistance to municipalities and school districts. I am recommending that all schools in Genesee County close to students effective immediately for an undetermined amount of time.”

“We want to remind people the risk in our community still remains relatively low and these decisions are based on the need to slow transmission in our communities,” Pettit said. “Through ongoing discussions with all 10 school districts and county administration, this unified decision is based on the increased activity in our county and has led to these preventive measures.”

A statement from Kevin MacDonald, district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership: “In collaboration with the New York State and local Departments of Health, the component districts of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership will be closed to students effective Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice. Component districts will be sharing messages to their respective communities regarding details of their closures. We ask all our community members to take care of each other as we navigate this public health matter.”

Batavia Middle School hosted a Health and Wellness Day for students at the school yesterday. The event was the brainchild of Assistant Principal Brian Sutton.

If you enjoy community news, please support The Batavian.

Press release:

Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) school districts are collaborating and communicating on a daily basis to review best practices and guidance in order to strategize the best path forward in our response to the COVID-19 situation.

Our local health departments and medical professionals are essential partners in our collaboration and decision-making process.  

Even though information related to the situation is changing rapidly, all GVEP districts count student safety as our top priority. Our district teams are acting based on the latest guidance from local, regional, and New York State Departments of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the New York State Education Department in addition to reviewing their local emergency response plans.

Our collaboration on a regional level informs the decision-making on the district level. Each district may make decisions related to events and school trips based on factors unique to their schools and community yet all districts have student health and safety as our top priority.

We appreciate your continuous support and patience as we navigate this situation.

Kevin MacDonald, District Superintendent -- Genesee Valley Educational Partnership

Ken Ellison, Chairman -- Genesee Valley Chief School Officers Association            

Genesee County Schools

• Alexander Central School, 3314 Buffalo St., Alexander, NY  14005
• Batavia City Schools, 260 State St., Batavia, NY  14020
• Byron-Bergen Central School, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen, NY  14416
• Elba Central School, 57 S. Main St., Elba, NY 14058
• Le Roy Central School, 2-6 Trigon Park, Le Roy, NY  14482
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School, 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY  14125
• Pavilion Central School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion, NY  14525
• Pembroke Central School, P.O. Box 308, Corfu, NY  14036

Press release:

Careers in healthcare have always ranked among the most rewarding in terms of salaries, job security, career advancement and overall employee satisfaction. Coupled with the continued shortage in qualified, credentialed healthcare workers in Western and Central New York, this is a great time to consider a career in compassion.

Genesee Community College has officially opened enrollment for its newest program, the Health Studies Associate in Science. Requiring a total of 62 credit hours, this program is designed to be completed in as little as two years and offers flexibility with up to 50 percent of its coursework available through online learning.

"The Health Studies associate degree was meticulously designed to meet the demands of our region," said Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of Math, Science and Career Education. "Students who graduate from this program are fully prepared to transfer to a four-year institution under SUNY's Health Education Transfer Path for a bachelor's degree that leads to a variety of career options."

GCC Health Studies degree students fulfill their General Education requirements and focus on industry-specific information such as medical terminology, nutrition and the many issues revolving around health insurance.

This combination saves GCC students thousands of dollars in tuition, offers small classes with plenty of hands-on learning and one-to-one instruction. It also provides valuable exposure to the many different career paths in healthcare and the coursework includes all of the pre-requisite courses for GCC's other healthcare programs.

Upon graduation, GCC students are uniquely positioned to transfer and earn bachelor's degrees that can lead to high-demand and lucrative health-related employment opportunities.

Additionally, GCC also offers a Health Studies Certificate option where credit hours can be fully applied toward the associate degree and five additional healthcare degree programs including; Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Polysomnographic Technology, Respiratory Care and Veterinary Technology.

Details on all programs can be found here. 

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Marirose Ethington, GCC's director of Science at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6389, or email: mtethington@genesee.edu or Deborah Erion, student success coach dedicated to the Health Studies program at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6423, or email: daerion@genesee.edu.

Press release:

Applications are now being accepted at Genesee Community College for Genesee Promise Plus (GPP) Summer 2020 Scholarships!

The GPP scholarship program helps remove financial barriers to higher education for citizens in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) counties by paying tuition costs for up to two courses this summer.

With more than 70 courses available over three summer session start dates, combined with the flexibility of courses being both online and at GCC's seven campus locations, the only challenge is finding a reason not to get started!

GP Scholarship eligibility is simple. Anyone in the following categories is encouraged to apply:

• High School Juniors (aka "rising seniors") and qualifying Homeschool Students are eligible for scholarship funding to take one summer 2020 course. 
• Graduating High School Seniors are eligible for scholarship funding to take one or two summer 2020 courses
• Adults who have never attended college are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course. This includes adults who have received a GED prior to May 1, 2020 or graduated from a GLOW area high school on or before December 2019. GCC will require a copy of high school transcripts.

GPP scholarship applications are available online at www.genesee.edu/promiseplus and will be accepted now through June 19 for the 2020 summer sessions which will run from:

• Full Session runs May 26 - Aug. 7
• Session 1 runs May 26 - June 26
• Session 2 runs July 6 - Aug. 7

"Summer is a perfect time for students to get a head start on their college coursework or explore possible career options," Lindsay Gerhardt, assistant dean for Recruitment and Admissions said. "The GPP program provides a wonderful opportunity to cost effectively earn up to eight transferrable credits before their first full semester even begins!"

GCC's summer session course list includes general education courses and prerequisites for a variety of programs to give students a head start. In addition, there are a wide array of introductory courses available for individuals looking to explore a new field or wanting to start on their academic degree program during the quieter summer session.

To view the complete list of courses being offered, visit here.

Applications, qualification criteria and additional information are available here. 

All interested individuals are encouraged to contact the office of admissions at admissions@genesee.edu or by calling (585) 345-6805 today!

Press release:

Registration is now open for the 2020 Genesee County Incubation and Embryology Program.

The program is open to classrooms and school groups throughout Genesee County.

Students and teachers that participate in this hands-on program will learn all about the process of hatching a chick.

To register or receive more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 101.

More information about the program is also available here.