Fulton City School District’s Early College program offers high school students challenging college-level coursework and unique on-the-job shadowing experiences. This summer, its innovative Information Technology program gave students unique insight into the job possibilities offered at several local businesses.

Since June, the program’s 23 rising seniors were offered the opportunity to shadow and network with local businesses like Fulton Savings Bank, Dumac Business Systems, United Radio, The Tech Garden, Giovanni Foods, Growth Mode Technologies and WCNY/PBS. Students were given opportunities for multiple placements, allowing them an inside look at some of the region’s best employers. These opportunities were orchestrated through the ECHS program’s affiliation with the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and Cayuga Community College. By the end of August, students had collectively completed approximately 130 hours of job shadowing,

“This is a motivated and eager group,” Sean Broderick, the ECHS program coordinator, explained. “They spent considerable time this summer in diverse workplaces experiencing the value of having a background and expertise in technology. Because of our partnerships, our students were able to study and experience the value of their information technology pathway in banking cybersecurity, full service tech start-up and incubation, point of sale service and the importance of customer service in any line of work.”

Younger students in the program were far from idle during the summer, with even rising sophomores spending time on the CCC campus for college courses.

“We are so proud of our students’ commitment to the program and willingness to try these new and challenging opportunities,” added Broderick. “Our Early College High School students continue to do great things.”