Arc Lexington Awarded 977,000 State Grant - To Expand Education, Career Opportunities for those with Autism, Developmental Disabilities

GLOVERSVILLE — The Arc Lexington has been awarded a $977,000 grant to expand its Transitions Program, a nationally recognized post-secondary program that prepares teens and young adults with learning differences for success in college, employment, and independent living. This funding, part of the $10 million Mohawk Valley Empowers program, will support the development of a new microcredential program in partnership with SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) and SUNY Cobleskill. The program is designed to provide students with industry-relevant training, essential soft skills, and hands-on work experience to help them secure meaningful employment.

“This grant is a game-changer for students with learning differences who are eager to enter the workforce but need additional support to develop the skills employers are looking for,” said Shaloni Winston, CEO of The Arc Lexington. “At Transitions, we have seen firsthand how specialized training can empower students to achieve independence and career success. Our graduates have gone on to become artists, photographers, certified animal trainers, New York State employees, and professionals traveling cross-country for their careers. Others have become successful in fields like IT, environmental conservation, and childcare. We have students working at major retailers, medical offices, law firms, libraries, and school districts, proving that with the right support, they can thrive in any industry. Thanks to Governor Hochul and New York State’s investment, we can now help even more students turn their passions into professions.”

Through its partnerships with SUNY FMCC, SUNY Cobleskill and numerous private businesses, Transitions will offer students targeted job training, professional mentorship, and real-world work experience to help them gain confidence and competence in areas such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving – critical skills that set them apart in the job market.

Dr. Greg Truckenmiller, President of SUNY FMCC, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:

“We are proud to expand our partnership with The Arc Lexington and the Transitions Program. This program gives students a structured pathway to develop both technical and interpersonal skills that employers value. We look forward to seeing students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.”

Dr. Marion Terenzio, President of SUNY Cobleskill, emphasized the importance of inclusive career pathways, saying:

“SUNY Cobleskill and The Arc Lexington share a belief in the transformational power of education and its capacity to unlock the potential of all learners. This grant and our partnership with Transitions help the College further our mission of creating inclusive learning environments where students can develop industry-specific skills and gain real-world experience. We are excited to collaborate with Transitions to open new doors for students and provide opportunities that lead to lifelong success.”

Students interested in learning more about the Transitions Program and its expanded career training opportunities are encouraged to visit www.transitionsusa.org or call (518) 775-5384 for more information.