Students from Ulster BOCES' Transitional Occupation Program (TOP-A and TOP-C) and the Phoenix Academy worked together to bake 200 pumpkin pies for a community festival hosted by local entrepreneur Brian Morris. The project not only gave students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, but also to give back to the community and build relationships with a local business leader.

After being impressed by the skills of young professionals in the Automotive Technology program, Morris, owner of Rust Free Motors, approached Ulster BOCES Workplace Learning Coordinator David Rosenberg with the idea. Morris has been a long-time observer of the skills and work ethic of young professionals from Ulster BOCES, and has even hired some as helpers at his businesses. Students from the different programs divided up the tasks, with TOP-A baking the pies, TOP-C packaging and delivering them, and the Phoenix Academy creating marketing materials.

“When we first talked about making 200 pies, everyone’s mouths dropped,” said Culinary instructor Mike Petty. “But you did it. You created joy. Each of you played a role, and every family who received one of your homemade pies felt that joy.”

The project also taught students valuable lessons in time management, teamwork, and perseverance. Young professionals also learned time management and were able to meet a tight four-day production deadline. “I learned that we will never give up, even if it's hard,” one student told Morris. Another student added, “I realized that something overwhelming isn't so daunting when you have a team.”

The community response to the pies was overwhelmingly positive. Morris noted that families were appreciative of the homemade aspect of the pies and the work that went into them.

This collaboration is a testament to the power of project-based learning and community engagement. Both Morris and Rosenberg are looking forward to future collaborations, including holiday platters and springtime treats.

“When it comes to collaborations, it doesn't get any more authentic than the partnership between Rust Free Motors (Morris) and Ulster BOCES CTE,” said Rosenberg.