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Students graduate from ELOC Technology and the Environment Computer Program

Environmental Leaders of Color graduates
Students graduate from ELOC Technology and the Environment Computer Program

Several Mount Vernon City School District students graduated from the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) Technology and the Environment Advanced Computer Program at SUNY Mount Vernon Extension Center on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Students learned Python coding and created online games from scratch using the skills for their final projects. These games included original titles such as Hair Boutique and Fisherman's Game and adaptations of popular games like Blackjack, Sudoku and Ant Farm.

The event’s keynote speaker was Mount Vernon’s Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, who encouraged the students to continue their education in technology and environmental studies, emphasizing that these fields offer promising career paths for the future. She stressed the importance of ongoing learning, no matter where life may lead them. 

As their families looked on with pride, each student showcased their talents and received prizes and certificates of completion from ELOC and the Mount Vernon City School District. The mayor also promised to provide certificates of completion from the city and to match the cash prizes the students earned.

ELOC's Technology and the Environment Advanced Computer Program was conceived by its founders, Dr. Diana Williams and Marvin Church. They believe that creating solutions to the climate crisis will require technology, which will increasingly influence all areas of these students' lives, both now and in the future. ELOC developed this program to give students from under-resourced communities access to advanced computer classes, helping them become competitive in college and the workforce.

During the fall and spring semesters, students meet on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, receiving instruction from computer professionals and college students majoring in computer science. They benefit from ample one-on-one instruction and material review with their instructors. Although there are no grades, students must complete a final project at the end of the semester.

ELOC has announced their new Cybersecurity and Blockchain class starting in January 2025. Interested students should register by January 9, 2025, on ELOC's website, www.eloc.earth. Space is limited, and only 40 high school students will be accepted. 

A colorful spinning wheel is projected onto a large screen in a room with tables and chairs in the foreground and people seated in the background.
Lottery for UPK-3 hosted at Board of Education

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An end of the year message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland

My first year as superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District has been unforgettable, thanks to the support and dedication of our families, students, faculty, and staff. It has been my honor to serve this community and work toward building a brighter future for all of us. This was a successful year, and I want you to know that every bit of it was felt and heard. We faced real challenges and grew stronger because of them, and the progress we made together touched me deeply. It belonged to every family, student, teacher, and staff member who showed up and gave this district their best. 

A group of people stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a white screen, while an audience sits in a dark auditorium in the foreground.
PTA Council awards $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships to 16 students

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A young boy and an adult man sit in the foreground with tables of snacks and people in colorful clothing in the background.
3rd annual Gentleman's Brunch hosted at Pennington School

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