District 115 NYS Assemblyman Billy Jones Joins HEOP Students at Paul Smith's College
August 1, 2024
Paul Smiths, NY (08/05/2024) — Paul Smith's College was honored to welcome District 115 NYS Assemblyman Billy Jones, along with his daughter, Ella, and Constituent Liaison Brandon Menard, on August 1, 2024, to join us for the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) student presentations. Eleven students from Albany, Bronx, Canton, Fort Edward, Moira, Morrisonville, North Bangor, North Lawrence, Plattsburgh, and Rainbow Lake, spoke about their experiences during the summer session at Paul Smith's College. Assemblyman Jones asked the students what careers they hope to pursue after college, with one student-Savannah Baker-planning on opening her own-bakery!
"This afternoon I was at Paul Smith's College as they just wrapped up this year's HEOP. In a collaboration between the college and the New York State Education Department, the four-week program allows students from across New York State to experience different courses and activities before starting their freshman year at college. The program works to get students on the right foot as they start their journey through college, and it was great meeting with them and learning about the different fields they'll be pursuing. Thank you to Jim Tucker and all the professors/instructors for their guidance, and I wish everyone the best as the start of another semester is right around the corner!"-Billy Jones, NYS Assemblyman, District 115
"HEOP at Paul Smith's College has been a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive student body since 1986. The success and longevity of HEOP at Paul Smith's College would not have been possible without the support of our political representation. Leaders such as Assemblyman Billy Jones have been instrumental in advocating for and supporting programs that provide access to education for all," said Paul Smith's College Interim President Dan Kelting, PhD.
Paul Smith's College takes pride in the success of our HEOP students, who benefit from a comprehensive support system, that includes a four-week pre-freshman summer program, weekly advising, academic tutoring, and financial aid packages that combine state, federal, and institutional grants and loans. Our holistic approach ensures that these students thrive academically and personally during their college journey."
About Paul Smith's College
At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.
Media Attachments
Billy Jones (left) meets with Paul Smith's College HEOP students