‘Digital Dutchess’ Brings Hands-On Tech Opportunities to Local Students

The inaugural Digital Dutchess career exploration event was held on Friday, Mach 27th, bringing together high-school students across the county to teach them about innovative tech jobs. The event was an initiative between The Dutchess County Division of Youth Services and Dutchess Community College.

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Digital Dutchess Career Exploration

50 local high-school students from sites like Arlington HS, Pawling HS, Dutchess BOCES, attended a full day of 'hands-on learning and career discovery' on the Dutchess Community College Poughkeepsie campus. Some of the tech fields explored include computer science, artificial intelligence, information technology, cybersecurity as well as quantum computing.

The day included panel discussions, interactive sessions as well as experiential activities. Local industry leaders and various college faculty from schools like PACE University and Dutchess Community college provided insight and perspectives on industry trends, educational pathways, and real-world experiences for careers that will be focused in the tech field.

One popular and evolving area in the digital scope right now, Esports competitive gaming, was covered via an interactive session with DCC Esports Coach Jesse Navarra and some of their student athletes.

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'Digital Dutchess Opens Doors'

In addition to the presenters, attendees and organizers of the inaugural Digital Dutchess event, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino offered the welcoming remarks.

Digital Dutchess’ is all about opening doors for Dutchess County students, giving them a hands-on look at high-tech careers to help them build the skills they need to succeed right here in our community. Introducing high-school students to careers in computer science equips them with the problem-solving and technical skills; broadens their future job opportunities and allows them to stay here locally to pursue their careers; and helps them become informed content creators, not just consumers of technology.

County Executive Serino, indicating that this event is simply one of the ways the county is showing their commitment to youth career development. She reinforced that Dutchess County is 'proud to invest in our youth and prepare the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow.'