Dutchess BOCES’ Summer Scholars program returned this year for the first time since 2020 and was updated to include New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate requirements and Seal of Civic Readiness efforts.
The 10-day program saw 10 rising juniors and seniors, from the Dover, Pawling and Wappingers school districts, convene at Marist University to create civic engagement presentations and work on their writing and public speaking skills with Dutchess Community College Associate Professor of Speech Margeaux Lippman, who teaches a similar program at Dover High School. Students presented their findings on various issues to families at a culminating event on July 23.
The program provides many benefits to students, including working closely with a college professor and staying in campus dorms to give them an authentic college experience, as well as gaining skills that are transferrable to any career. “They learned how to work in teams and how to present to people, those are all skills that will be needed going into their professional careers,” Coordinator of Educational Resources Kathleen Schneck-Suma said.
Lippman finds that students, particularly in rural communities, are eager to discuss civic issues and look for ways to feel more empowered. Students learned about the history of social movements by looking at famous speeches from Frederick Douglass to Shirley Chisholm, and identifying how they used similar strategies. “They learned how to leverage those strategies in a piece of public advocacy ... part of it is about creating this compelling throughline that speaks to an unmet need,” Lippman explained. “Summer Scholars does provide a great opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the world, but more importantly give them the toolbox they need to make change in their communities.”
Gabriela Villa, a rising Dover High School junior, likes to keep learning over the summer, so the program was perfect for her. Villa’s presentation focused on food availability in her community where she looked at other avenues, besides bringing in a supermarket. “It taught me to look at alternatives and how to solve the problem without just looking at the big picture,” Villa said. “This program appealed to me because it involves problem solving.”
The students presented their projects to assistant superintendents, teachers, Educational Resources staff, and their families. Students have come out of the program with action plans and support from their school communities. We look forward to seeing what these students will contribute to their communities. Next year, we hope to continue the momentum of the program and expand to address NY Inspires initiatives.
Dover High School Principal Matthew Latvis encouraged one of the student presenters not to underestimate themselves when presenting the solutions to the issue they focused on to adults. “A lot of times students assume the adults above them, that are their teachers, people from agencies or politicians, know more than they do and that’s not always true,” Latvis said. “You know a lot; don’t sell yourself short.”
Following this success, Educational Resources is hoping to expand the program next year with a new theme or topic of study and continued opportunities for students to learn and grow collaboratively. Information about next year’s Summer Scholars Program will be available in the winter of 2027.
