Keystone NextGen Immersions
...opening pathways to academic enrichment and enabling possibilities for the future.

General Information

The KEYSTONE programs are an initiative of NextGen Immersions, LLC in partnership with the Carey Institute for Global Good in Rensselaerville, NY where many of the workshops are hosted. The KEYSTONE mission is to inspire today’s young minds to set higher achievement goals and make meaningful contributions to our community, nurturing a brighter world and more vibrant future for the Capital Region. Students in grades 5 through 12 discover future possibilities in meaningful, emerging and growing professional sectors through high-energy, all-day workshops and seminars led by career professionals and subject matter experts.

 

OBJECTIVES: 

Keystone programs aim to:

  1. Provide more than 1,500 Capital Region students annually with educational enrichment opportunities, expanding students’ horizons and introducing them to new career possibilities through extraordinary mentorship and hands-on learning.
  2. Inspire 200 Capital Region educators with new teaching ideas, techniques and materials to apply in the classroom.
  3. Spark young minds’ interests in new and interesting career opportunities, encourage students to dream big and introduce pathways for academic and professional goals.

 

AN INVITATION: 

We invite classroom teachers and their select students to enroll in those workshops being offered at this time. Yearly offerings are based on mentor availability and funding. Workshop Registration Forms are on the bottom of each program page listed on the program drop-down tab.  For more information, email NextGenImmersions@gmail.com and write “Keystone” in the subject line.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Schools must contact their appropriate BOCES service, listed below, to determine their district’s eligibility and to apply for the “Arts in Education” aid. Paperwork should be submitted to BOCES at lease 3 weeks prior to events.

Capital Region………..518-464-3910
DCMO/ONC……………607-335-1419
HFM BOCES……………518-736-4360
Questar III……………..518-489-6832
WSWHE……………..….518-581-3581

 

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. All workshops are BOCES aid-able.
  2. Most workshops are held at the Carey Institute for Global Good in Rensselaerville. Other sites (Canajoharie, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs) are available based on registration sign-up.
  3. Schools must notify Keystone on the workshop registration form if selected workshop times need to be modified. Arrival and dismissal times vary and are listed on the registration forms.
  4. Registration is on a first-come basis with three to five schools in attendance at each workshop.
  5. Fees and number of students for Keystone programs vary based on age group and program. Refer to the registration forms for details
  6. Breakfast snack, lunch and materials are provided by Keystone.
  7. Some workshops require completion of prep work prior to attendance.
  8. If interested or need more information, contact Alison Miller at NextGenImmersions@gmail.com and add “Keystone” in the subject bar.

TESTIMONIALS

“I learned that making mistakes is just as important as not making mistakes.”

5th Grade Student
Abram Lansing Elem. School

“I loved watching today’s lessons.  Modeling the lessons was very helpful and valuable for me as a teacher…the lessons were engaging in all subject areas (math, science, ELA).”

Teacher
Greenville Elem. School

“This conference does a phenomenal job preparing students for post-high school life.  Students are learning and practicing public speaking, critical thinking skills and taking a stance on key historical issues.  Their experience is unlike any other they will have in this realm.”

Teacher
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School

“(Model United Nations) taught me more about how to formulate questions better and how to form better arguments.”

11th Grade Student
Greenville High School

“(In future writing) I will think about my story and really describe the characters I write about.”

5th Grade Student
Lake Ave. Elementary School

“Thank you Keystone for the awesome science day!”

5th Grade Student
Abram Lansing Elem. School

“I definitely felt more comfortable because I was in an environment where, if I made a mistake, it was not a big deal.  The teachers corrected my French and moved on. Through the teachers giving us mini-lessons mixed in with the activities, I was able to pick up on the grammar tricks that I had been unaware of.”

11th Grade student
Bolton Central School

“The exposure to native speakers (is most valuable).  I’m a gringa.  This gives students an idea of the mental energy needed to comprehend.  My own Spanish got some practice too.”  

Spanish Teacher
Schodack Central School

“The opportunity to speak French all day and to experience French speakers who come from la francophonic is invaluable.  Just wonderful.  This particular workshop is unique in that it introduces students to accents and cultures through la francophone in addition to France and Canada.”

French Teacher
Bolton Central School

“Some students spoke French very well and it was fun to be able to chat with them and learn interesting things about them.”

10th Grade student
Bolton Central School

“I learned that you really need to be specific with your details and that it will help you write more interesting stories.”

5th Grade Student
Forts Ferry Elem. School

I liked learning about the Underground Railroad. It was like you were there when it was happening.

7th Grade Student
Greenville

I learned a lot about history and got to work with people I didn’t know.

7th Grade Student
Voorheesville

I learned how to measure the height of things with a protractor and meter stick.

7th Grade Student
Voorheesville

We heard stories from reporters and film makers who put themselves into situations dealing with current events.

9th Grade Student
Columbia High School

It has let me identify fake news an understand stories based on who they benefit.

9th Grade Student
Columbia High School

It was a fun way to write. It was risk free so it took the stress off. As a result, kids could enjoy the writing process rather than have it feel like work.

Teacher
Greenville