HFM PTECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School), in partnership with the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and HFM BOCES, has received a $10,000 grant from National Grid to enhance its career readiness and STEM-focused initiatives.
From L to R: Erika Haggerty, HFM PTECH Assistant Principal; Celeste Keane, HFM PTECH Principal; Natalie May, Fulton Montgomery Chamber Business & Education Partnership Coordinator; MaryBeth Shults, Fulton Montgomery Chamber Executive Director; Seth Browe, National Grid Regional External Affairs Manager; Jay DeTraglia, HFM BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services; Nicole Walrath-VanAlstyne, Fulton Montgomery Chamber Director of Workforce Development (pictured virtually); Lisa Wemple, National Grid Senior Community Engagement Coordinator; Susanne Collins, National Grid Account Manager.
The funding will support a range of student-centered programming designed to foster real-world career exploration, professional skills development, and hands-on STEM learning. These include workplace tours, guest speakers, hands-on workshops, project-based challenges, and opportunities to earn certifications in high-demand fields.
“We are so grateful and humbled by the generosity of National Grid,” said Celeste Keane, HFM PTECH Principal. “So many of our students have imagined extending their learning through additional shadowing, the acquisition of specialized certifications in IT and related fields, and solving real-world problems with their well-developed project-based learning background and experiences. This will support those goals and several others.”
National Grid’s community giving priorities focus on Education and Skills, Energy and Environment, and Community Investment. The company supports programs that build workforce pipelines in engineering and technology, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen local communities — all of which align closely with the mission of HFM PTECH.
“This grant will help us expand opportunities that connect students with local industries and ensure they are not only career-ready but inspired to innovate and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” added Keane.
Nicole Walrath-VanAlstyne, Director of Workforce Development at the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the value of this collaboration.
“We are so thankful for our partnership with National Grid. This grant will continue to help PTECH expand real-world opportunities for students, allowing them to gain insight into career paths, build critical employability skills, and connect with professionals who can inspire their future success. These kinds of experiences are essential for developing a future-ready workforce in our region.”
Established in 2014 through the Chamber’s Business Education Partnership with HFM BOCES, the PTECH program prepares students for high-demand careers in fields such as agriculture, advanced manufacturing/engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences. The model blends academic instruction with professional mentoring, early college credit, and career exploration, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in both college and the workforce.
For more information about the Chamber’s Business Education Partnership visit https://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/business-education-partnership/.
