A Summer of Growth: Kenneth B. Clark Academy's SYEP Partnership

Kenneth B. Clark Academy is proud to announce its partnership with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), creating valuable career exploration opportunities for our students. This summer, students aged 16 and older are gaining hands-on, practical experience by taking on a variety of essential roles right here at the campus.

Hands-On Experience, Real-World Skills

Our students are doing more than just observing they're actively contributing to our school's daily operations. Internships span a wide range of departments, from assisting teachers and TAs in the classroom to providing crucial support for our clerical and technology staff. This direct engagement allows students to explore potential career paths in a supportive environment while developing key professional skills.

Our veterinary students are making headlines! The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) website is featuring a special look at their work and dedication.

The article highlights the exceptional skills and passion of our future veterinary assistants . It’s a great opportunity to see the impact our students are having and the exciting paths they're forging in the field of animal care.

The Kenneth B. Clark Academy offers a variety of specialized Certificated Programs designed to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in their chosen field. These programs are ideal for individuals seeking to enter the workforce quickly with a focused, professional credential.

Among the featured programs is the Veterinary Medicine Assistant Program (VMAP). This course is meticulously structured to train students in the essential tasks required to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Students will learn about animal handling and restraint, surgical preparation and assistance, laboratory procedures, and client communication. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing graduates for entry-level positions in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities.

Another popular offering is the Cosmetology Assistant Program. This comprehensive course covers all aspects of the beauty industry, including hair styling, cutting, and coloring; skincare treatments; and nail technology. Students will gain proficiency in the latest techniques and trends, learning to use professional-grade tools and products. The program focuses on developing not only technical skills but also creativity, customer service, and business management fundamentals, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers as hairstylists, estheticians, and nail technicians, or even to open their own salons.

The Modern Consumer Retail Program introduces high school students to the exciting world where plants meet business, preparing them for entry-level jobs in garden centers and retail floral shops. Students learn essential horticulture basics—like how to identify plants, mix soil, and keep plants healthy—alongside valuable retail skills such as customer service, creating eye-catching displays, and using cash registers. It’s the perfect way to combine a love for nature with practical sales and management experience that can lead to immediate work or future college studies in related fields.

The Digital Interactive Media Arts (DIMA) Program introduces high school students to the creative and technical skills needed for careers in digital design, animation, and interactive media. Students learn to use industry-standard software to create content like graphic design projects, 2D and 3D animations, websites, and video games, mastering the fundamentals of visual storytelling.

The Home Health Assistant Program provides high school students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to become compassionate and effective Home Health Assistants. Students learn crucial tasks like basic patient care, taking vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, proper infection control, and understanding nutrition and patient safety.

The Blackhawk Security Guard Training Program is a fast track to a career in law enforcement or private security, training you to become a licensed Security Guard in New York State. You will complete the state-required 8-Hour Pre-Assignment and 16-Hour On-the-Job courses, learning professional security techniques, surveillance, and safety protocols from certified law enforcement and military instructors. Upon completion, the school aids with your official license application and offers job referrals, preparing you for immediate entry-level work in banks, hospitals, retail stores, or nightclubs.

The Culinary Arts & ServSafe Certification Program offers high school students hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety standards essential for the culinary industry. Students learn to prepare various cuisines, manage kitchen inventory, and master crucial hygiene practices, culminating in the opportunity to earn the industry-recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certificate. This certification and practical experience prepare students for immediate entry-level employment in restaurants, bakeries, or catering companies, or for continuing their education in a post-secondary culinary program.

The B.E.A.T. + (Be Educated About Transit) Program is a classroom-based initiative designed to teach students how to ride public buses safely, responsibly, and with confidence. Through a 6-week program, students will master essential passenger skills, learn key bus safety rules, and understand proper transit etiquette for successfully using the Bee-Line system. This training promotes independence by fully preparing you to navigate your community using public transportation while also exploring the environmental benefits of choosing transit.

The Kenneth B. Clark Academy is committed to expanding its educational offerings. We are actively developing new programs to meet the evolving demands of various industries, with more exciting options to be announced in the near future. 

At Kenneth B. Clark Academy, we believe in supporting every member of our family, and that includes ensuring everyone has access to healthy, nourishing food. We're proud to announce the creation of the new Nourish & Flourish GCN Food Pantry, a resource designed to help both our students and staff.

Each Thursday, we will distribute well-rounded meals. Our goal is to provide a balanced diet, and each weekly distribution will include a variety of grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Thanks to a generous partnership with a local restaurant, we will also include prepared meals, providing a ready-to-eat option for busy days. Additionally, we are excited to be able to offer a selection of organic goods, thanks to the kindness of our community partners. All members of the Kenneth B. Clark Academy family are welcome to participate, and we encourage anyone in need of assistance to take part.

This program is more than just a food pantry; it's a reflection of the caring and supportive community that defines the GNC community. We want to thank the incredible organizations that have made this possible through their generous collaboration: Feeding Westchester, The Yard House, Meals on Main, Food Town, and Stew Leonard's. Their support has been instrumental in turning this idea into a reality, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to our students and staff.

By working together, we are making our community stronger, one meal at a time. We look forward to seeing you there!