What began as a five-week summer program has grown into a lasting academic and personal bond. On January 18, students from Onondaga Community College’s 2025 Pre-College Summer Semiconductor Program reunited in New York City, trading winter coats for warm memories as they reflected on how the experience shaped their confidence, college readiness, and career goals.
The gathering brought together former scholars from across New York State to reconnect, share updates, and celebrate the program’s impact. The event featured a keynote address by Leo Gordon, Vice President for Career and Technical Education High Schools with the United Federation of Teachers, who emphasized the importance of early exposure to high-demand technical fields.
Students then took center stage, offering powerful personal reflections on the academic rigor, mentorship, and community they found during the program - experiences that continue to influence their lives well beyond the summer months. One scholar, Ethan "Jed" Chen, recited from memory the course titles, the names of his professors, and the central themes of the courses. He explained how he has applied principles learned in ELM 100 - Introduction to Technical Problem-Solving, and ELM 106 - Introduction to Industrial Tools, and recently, developed an app that assists citizens in the Philippines.
Another scholar, Reilly Joseph, shared how MAT 161 - Calculus 1, and COM 210 - Public Speaking have significantly boosted his self-esteem. He recounted entering the program filled with self-doubt and how, thanks to the program and his professors, he now has greater confidence and is thriving in his senior year of high school.
During the Pre-College Summer Semiconductor Program, which was funded by SUNY, students learned about career options in in-demand fields and earned college credits. They also lived in the residence halls for 5 weeks and gained a better understanding of what the college experience would be like. "The work was demanding, but it got you ready for college, as did living in the dorms," said Frank Guzman, a high school senior from New York City. "Everyone was very helpful and kind. If you needed assistance with anything, from math to doing laundry, there was someone there to help."
The first Pre-College Summer Semiconductor Program included 35 students from across New York State, who were chosen from a pool of more than 200 applicants. Students selected were rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. While earning 8 college credits in challenging academic programs such as Engineering Science and Electromechanical Technology, they also participated in enrichment activities that included field trips to related businesses and higher education institutions.
In the program's final days last summer, several of the students shared their thoughts on the Pre-College Summer Semiconductor Program:
- "The people and the professors were really good. I really enjoyed my problem-solving class. This reinforced my career goals and helped me figure out what I'm going to do." - Tony Tran, a New York City high school graduate who now attends the Rochester Institute of Technology and is studying Computer Engineering.
- "We were busy every day and would get back to our dorm room tired. It gave us a good idea of what the college experience would be like. I enjoyed making friends here." - Jackson Austin, a senior at West Genesee High School.
- "The program was more challenging that I expected, but I learned I could do the work. I made a lot of great friends and became much more social than I used to be." - Esther Reader, a high school junior from New York City.
- "I had a great experience here. I enjoyed all of the classes and all of the friends I made this summer." - Rachel Mahan, a senior at Cicero-North Syracuse High School.
- "I learned a lot about myself, the career I want to pursue, and the college experience. It's something I want to be a part of in the future. The community here was like one big family. The trips we took were fun. The classes were manageable and taught us how to take on a bigger workload," - Reilly Joseph, a high school senior from Long Island.
- "This was a really good program. It prepared you for college life. I enjoyed the people and the friends I made." - Sarah Shi, a freshman at New York Institute of Technology.
- I had some great experiences here. The program got me on track for college and helped me think about a career in the engineering field." - Frank Guzman, a high school senior from New York City.
Another Pre-College Summer Semiconductor Program is being planned for the summer of 2026.
