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

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