State Education Department recognizes, rewards SWBOCES’ Adult Literacy programs

Increase in state funding following program review supports boost in instructional hours offered

Analida Wolfie came to the United States from Peru in 2002 and eventually enrolled in English as a Second Language classes at Southern Westchester BOCES. More recently, she registered for the Citizenship Exam preparation class in St. Gabriel’s School in New Rochelle under teacher Maria de Fatima Braga.

“Now I'm a U.S. citizen, thanks to SWBOCES, and my teacher,” Ms. Wolfie (pictured at right) said.

Her success story is one of many among students in SWBOCES’ Adult Literacy Programs. The quality of those programs was recognized this past school year by the New York State Education Department, prompting a 30 percent increase in funding and, in turn, a similar increase in the number of instructional hours offered.

Those programs are offered in schools and other locations in communities across the SWBOCES region.

The increase in state Employment Preparation Education funding amounts to $459,625, which supported more than 46,000 additional hours of instruction in 2023-24. In all, the Center delivered around 184,000 hours of instruction, a one-third increase over the prior year.

A mid-year review of programs around the state by NYSED determined that the quality of SWBOCES programs warranted the increased support. SWBOCES demonstrated improvements in its intake and orientation processes and in its close attention to data management. A second review in May led to a further increase in state support.

The funding increase specifically targeted SWBOCES’ Adult Literacy Program, which serves both GED and ESL students. Those programs combined to serve 2,343 students.

“This vote of confidence by New York State, as demonstrated by its financial support of our vital community programs, is not simply about the number of students enrolled in our programs but rather the number of hours of instructional services provided to our students,” Director of Adult & Community Services Tracy Racicot said. “It’s a matter of quality over quantity. NYSED is looking to see gains in language acquisition skills; not how many students start but how many students persist in our programs over the longer term.”

In addition, the funding supports not merely programs but students. As with Ms. Wolfie, their success stories abound.

Milie Noel, 22, (pictured at left) moved from Haiti to New Rochelle six months ago. Enrolling with SWBOCES transformed her life professionally and personally. 

“My experience with (former SWBOCES teacher and) Chef Peter Tomascovic was truly exceptional, and I am grateful for the effective teaching methods he employed,” she said. “After getting my ServSafe certificate, I enrolled in Citizenship Exam preparation classes with Ms. Braga at St. Gabriel’s and recently became an American Citizen.”

Gloria Mendoza learned of SWBOCES programs through her son, Yhostin Duran (pictured below at right). Originally from Peru, they came to the U.S. a year ago. 

“We have always believed in the importance of education, so we searched for a place that could help us start our academic preparation,” she said.

They found SWBOCES through social media. Yhostin reached out, and they enrolled in teacher Jose Bohorquez’s class, where they received invaluable guidance and advice. 

“Today, we stand triumphant, having successfully achieved our goal of obtaining our GED diplomas,” Ms. Mendoza said. “We want to continue preparing ourselves. We plan to pursue higher studies that will allow us to achieve the success we desire in this country. We feel grateful to SWBOCES for the opportunities they gave each of us.”

Similarly determined to make a better life for her family, Silvia Flores left Acapulco, Mexico, transforming her life and fulfilling her aspirations.

Ms. Flores, a mother of three, officially became a U.S. citizen on Sept. 26, 2023. She studied for a year with Ms. Braga for her citizenship interview. The support and mentorship she received played a crucial role in her success.

Having previously worked in a beauty salon, Silvia now aspires to obtain a license in elder care. Her newfound citizenship has opened up new opportunities for her to contribute to the well-being of others, aligning well with her compassionate nature.

Her husband, Ruben Flores (above, right), also hails from Mexico and came to the U.S. at 16. Mr. Flores applied last year and enrolled in Ms. Braga’s Citizenship Exam preparation class at St. Gabriel’s. He was sworn in as a citizen on July 21, 2023.

“Today, I stand proudly as a citizen, and the joy and gratitude within me are immense,” Mr. Flores said. “I owe a heartfelt thank you to SWBOCES and my dedicated teacher, whose guidance and support played an instrumental role in helping me achieve this significant milestone in my life.”

Mr. and Mrs. Flores both point to their shared effort in achieving this milestone, which they said reflects their commitment to building a brighter future for their family in the United States.