Baldwin UFSD Officially Launches “Future Jewelers Academy”
Partnership with Black in Jewelry Coalition and Natural Diamond Council Allows Hands-on Learning Experience with Industry Experts
Mary Jo O’Hagan, board president and Dr. Shari Camhi, superintendent for Baldwin Union Free District as well as Malyia McNaughton, CEO and founder, and Adrianne Sanogo, education chair, from Black in Jewelry Coalition expressed their gratitude for establishing the program and how proud they are to see the concept come to fruition in Baldwin. Dr. Shari Camhi emphasized that educational programs like the Future Jewelers Academy are essential for developing the future workforce.
Additionally, two students, Scarlett Kefer-Jaramillo and Layla Massenburg, shared their experiences and aspirations with more than 30 attendees, which included Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Councilwoman Debra Mulè , and industry veteran, president and owner of Fortunoff Fine Jewelry, Esther Fortunoff-Greene. Following the speeches and unveiling of the neon sign featuring the academy emblem, professionals ranging from jewelry makers to sales representatives to jewelry industry recruiters were given a tour of the learning space, which features wooden benches, tools and various materials in a sunlit space. The impressive student jewelry projects were also on display so that those in attendance could see firsthand the skill-levels and creativity of the Baldwin students, who have already crafted chains and pins and brooches using various metalworking techniques based on their own design concepts and sketches.
The new program at Baldwin High School@Shubert reflects Baldwin UFSD's unwavering commitment to preparing students for the future by providing them with hands-on experiences in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and building new community partnerships. In addition to a very hands-on curriculum, students are exposed to guest speakers and “Leaving2Learns.” This past fall, during New York City’s Jewelry Week, two students attended the third annual Rock the Jewels event and then in December, Mobley an editor and renowned gemologist from the Natural Diamond Council, spoke with the class about the history of diamonds and his background and relevant experiences in the industry.
The Future Jewelers Academy program is another ‘shining’ example of how Baldwin UFSD is dedicated to ensuring all students graduate "future ready."
- Baldwin HSS
- Future Ready