How Can Place-Based Career Pathways Build Thriving Ecosystems? | Jonah Schenker

Getting Smart Podcast

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Shawnee Caruthers explores the transformative power of Career Pathways Academy at iPark 87 with a dynamic panel of guests: Dr. Jonah Schenker (Ulster BOCES), John Boolukos (Archtop Fiber), and students Cameren Thibault-Edmonds and Natalie Winrow. Together, they discuss how place-based education, industry collaboration, and learner-centered design can open doors to opportunity, purpose, and belonging. From redefining Career and Technical Education (CTE) to fostering student confidence and self-direction, this episode highlights how intentional ecosystem building can create lasting community impact and prepare students to design the future.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (02:16) The Heart of Ulster BOCES: A Learner-Centered Vision
• (07:18) Describing the Community and Pathways
• (10:49) Industry Partnership: A New Era of Collaboration
• (24:49) The Role of Advanced Manufacturing Pathways
• (28:50) Workplace Learning Challenges: Real-World Experience
• (33:18) Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Education and Industry
• (40:02) Closing Thoughts and Future Possibilities

Links

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog
• iPark 87
• Dr. Jonah Schenker (LinkedIn)
• John Boolukos (LinkedIn)
• Ulster BOCES
• Archtop Fiber
• Kingston City School District