Educational Programs at PYHIT

Educational Services

The Educational Programming at the Altamont Program has been a vital, positive force for change for not only PYHIT consumers but the community at large since it’s inception in 1994. As the cost of a four year degree has escalated beyond the financial means of many, community based adult education programs have become more attractive then ever before.  In fact, statistics show that students who have completed a trade school, training program, and have a GED or HS diploma are earning higher wages than those who have a college degree without a trade. In addition, many employers require at least a GED for new hires, as to trade schools and community colleges. Unlike such schools, the Altamont Program’s Adult Education Classes are completely free.

Many walk in referrals come because they want to pursue their education, and when they see all of the other opportunities provided by the vocational staff, they expand their vision to include not only education but a pathway to a training program that leads to employment.

The majority of our referrals at this time come from a partnership with Albany County Department of Social Services, from our own agency’s substance abuse treatment programs, and from outside agencies that do not have the educational component as part of their program.

The Altamont Program’s educational services have expanded from one class twice weekly in the afternoons to a second class twice weekly in the evenings, in addition to English as a Second Language class twice weekly.  All of our classes are taught by NYS licensed teachers provided by a partnership with BOCES. The instructors are accustomed to teaching adult education classes and are adept at presenting the material in a way that can be adapted to address the needs of a non-traditional learner. Many of our students have had negative experiences with an academic environment, and may have damage due to years of substance abuse as well; both of these factors can lead students to anticipate that they cannot succeed in a classroom environment. They quickly come to realize that each student is provided with the help that they need to succeed, in an atmosphere of acceptance that is conducive to learning.

The Educational Department currently has two tutors, one for math, and one for reading, through partnerships with both SUNY Albany and Literacy New York. This enables us to provide more support and one on one instruction to students in our adult basic educational program. We are always open to additional volunteers and anyone interested is encouraged to contact the educational coordinator at 518-465-1020 ext. 149.

Our English Language Learners’ program consists of both refugees from many different countries and students of Hispanic/Latino/Latina origin. Beginning with survival English, many students learn quickly and are employment ready within the first few months of classes. ESL students are given the BEST Plus test, rather than the TABE test, as it measures the level of English reading, writing and comprehension the student has upon enrollment. The goal is to help ESL students progress first to survival English skill level and then beyond that to the ability to enter the workforce and become self sufficient. At this time, the ESL program is only able to accept referrals from Albany County Social Services.


The Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) is administered to each student prior to enrolling in the classes. The TABE test is administered and scored by the BOCES instructor and the results are made available to the student within one week, however, students are not required to wait for the test results to start class.  The educational program is geared toward the adult basic education student (ABE) although students close to being GED test-ready can be accommodated as well. This is an important component as all students in NYS need a referral from an instructor in order to sit for the GED exam. The coordinator of the educational program will work with community referrals and walk in students to schedule the TABE test, interpret the TABE test results for students, and provide copies of the TABE test to referents and students.

Any interested students may contact the educational coordinator at 518-465-1020 ext. 149, to obtain a list of dates for the TABE tests, held here at 134 Franklin Street, Albany, NY, 12202, or simply stop in.  Following completion of testing, students will be provided with a class schedule and the learning begins! 

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