Port Byron Central School District

For students at Port Byron Central School District, planning for life after graduation is no longer a one-size-fits-all experience. Whether students are pursuing a four-year college degree, a trade certification, an apprenticeship, military service or workforce training, the district has made a deliberate effort to create opportunities that help every student find the path that best fits their goals.

According to Assistant Superintendent Katie Naples and School Counselors Kevin Barber and Stacey Sereno, the district has spent the last several years intentionally building a comprehensive system of college and career readiness that begins well before senior year.

"We've become much more intentional over the last three years about helping students explore their interests and connecting them with opportunities that align with their goals," said Naples.

That work is paying off. During this year's May 1 College Decision Day celebrations, Port Byron seniors announced plans to attend colleges, universities, trade schools and training programs across the country, with some students heading as far away as Mississippi and Wyoming.

The district's commitment to expanding opportunities includes college visits, college fairs, dual-enrollment courses, distance learning programs and career exploration activities. Students have visited campuses such as SUNY Oswego and school counselors participated in a Buffalo college tour that allowed them to experience ten different colleges.

"The Buffalo college tour gave us a chance to see a wide variety of campuses and get a sense of what's out there," said Sereno. 

One of the district's most significant investments has been expanding access to college-level coursework while students are still in high school. Through partnerships with Cayuga Community College and CiTi BOCES, college professors can now teach courses remotely through dedicated distance learning classrooms. This year, the district added a second distance learning classroom, allowing students to access eight different pathways of study.

Students can now begin taking college classes as early as the summer before 10th grade, helping them build confidence and earn valuable college credits before graduation. This summer alone, approximately 30 students will be enrolled in college coursework, with another 30 students expected to participate in distance learning classes next year.

"We're trying to be much more strategic about helping students choose courses based on what they're interested in pursuing after high school," Barber explained. "It gives them an opportunity to determine whether they're truly interested in a particular career path while they're still in high school."

The college credit opportunities can also help students save both time and money. Many students can complete general education requirements before graduating from Port Byron. One student this year earned an associate’s degree prior to high school graduation and seven more are looking to do so next year.

Supporting students through the college application process is another key component of the district's efforts. Through a partnership with On Point for College, students may receive weekly assistance navigating applications, FAFSA and TAP financial aid forms and college selection decisions. More than 30 Port Byron students participated in the program this year, helping reduce barriers that can often make the process overwhelming for families.

Career preparation extends beyond traditional college pathways as well. Students interested in skilled trades have pursued programs in areas such as welding and culinary arts, with some attending specialized schools far from home. The district is also looking to expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

At Port Byron, career exploration begins long before high school. Through programs such as Xello, MACNY initiatives, and career cluster exploration activities, students are introduced to potential careers throughout their K-12 experience.

"We want students to know there is a pathway for everybody," Naples said. "Our goal is to support students in finding the best fit for them to put them in the best situation for success."

Ultimately, district leaders hope these opportunities help students discover not only what they want to do, but who they want to become.

"My hope is that students find what they're passionate about and have a clear sense of their goals," Naples said.

Whether that journey leads to a college campus, a trade school, an apprenticeship or a career directly after graduation, Port Byron is committed to ensuring every student has the tools, experiences and support needed to confidently take the next step.