Microcredential course at Columbia-Greene Community College

As part of Operation Unite’s Youth in Action Workforce Program, this hands-on microcredential course empowered students with essential digital skills. Students mastered Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, gaining practical experience that extended beyond the classroom.

Their newfound expertise didn’t just stay on their screens, students applied their skills to create professional PowerPoint presentations for real-world organizations, including Operation Unite, the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, and the Hudson Youth Center. These presentations became valuable tools for community outreach, showcasing the students’ ability to translate technical knowledge into impactful work.

By combining technology with community engagement, this course equips young learners with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce and make a difference.

Career Exploration

Youth in Action’s Career Exploration program introduces participants to a wide range of careers, some traditional, others unexpected broadening their understanding of what’s possible beyond their immediate communities.

Students toured the Hudson Build construction site and its administrative offices, gaining insights into both hands-on trade work and the behind-the-scenes roles that keep projects moving. Visits to the Columbia-Greene Construction Technology program and On the Go Barber with Michael Anthony further highlighted local career opportunities in skilled trades and entrepreneurship.

In the arts, students partnered with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and the Athens Cultural Center to explore music and live performance careers. They attended summer concerts featuring over 25 professional musicians, vocalists, and tech staff, observed live setups, and spoke directly with artists from acts like Lady Moon & The Eclipse, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, and Juma Sultan’s Aboriginal Music Society.

Participants also worked as Production Assistants for Waterfront Wednesdays, a free summer concert series in Hudson. From coordinating with performers to managing equipment and cleanup, youth played active roles in producing live events, gaining valuable skills in organization, communication, and teamwork.

Building Up Hudson with Bard College

Building Up Hudson is more than a program, it’s a bridge between aspiration and achievement. In partnership with Bard College, we connect students and community members with the tools they need for academic success, career exploration, and personal growth.

At the heart of this initiative is one-on-one academic mentorship. Bard College students volunteer their time, offering personalized support that goes beyond tutoring. They become mentors, motivators, and role models, helping participants sharpen their skills, build confidence, and unlock their full potential.

This powerful collaboration creates a ripple effect: as students grow academically, they also develop the curiosity, resilience, and ambition needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond. With Building Up Hudson, educational dreams start becoming real-world accomplishments.

Academic and Community Service Scholarships

Celebrating excellence and dedication, these scholarships recognize students who go above and beyond, both in and out of the classroom. In recent years, sixteen outstanding students from Columbia and Greene Counties have been honored for their achievements in academics, community service, performing arts, and visual arts. 

These awards not only celebrate talent and hard work, but they also invest in the future of young leaders, creators, and changemakers. Whether through volunteer work, artistic expression, or academic excellence, each recipient has made a meaningful impact on their community and continues to inspire others to do the same.

Fitness and Literacy

Bringing energy and imagination together, the Fitness and Literacy program engages young learners in a fun and balanced approach to physical and educational development. Hosted at the Hudson Youth Center, this initiative served 18 children ages 6–8, blending 30-minute movement classes with interactive reading circles designed to spark both bodies and minds. 

What makes this program even more impactful is the involvement of Youth in Action (YIA) participants, who stepped up as program assistants. Under the guidance of Operation Unite NY (OUNY) staff, these youth leaders helped facilitate each session, gaining hands-on experience while serving as positive role models for younger participants. 

The result? A joyful, supportive environment where kids stay active, grow their literacy skills, and build lasting connections with their mentors.

Senior/Junior Track College Prep

Our Senior/Junior Track College Prep program guides high school students through the exciting, and sometimes overwhelming college application journey with clarity and confidence. Through hands-on workshops, campus visits, and personalized support, students dive deep into exploring colleges and universities that align with their passions and goals. 

Participants gain essential skills for the application process, including how to navigate the Common App, craft compelling college essays, build strong resumes, and request effective teacher recommendations. 

Recent college visits have included a diverse range of institutions such as Siena College, Russell Sage College, Bard College, Columbia-Greene Community College, Dutchess Community College, SUNY New Paltz, and the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Each visit offers a real-world glimpse into campus life and academic offerings, helping students make informed decisions about their futures. 

This program turns college dreams into action plans, equipping students with the tools, experiences, and support they need to take the next big step.