HIA-LI is proud to announce the launch of the “Setup for Success Shadowing Program,” an innovative initiative aimed at providing high school students with real-world career experiences. Developed in partnership with the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board (IAB), this program is designed to build stronger industry-academia partnerships and address Long Island’s workforce development challenges as highlighted in the 2023 HIA-LI 54-page report, “Innovating the Talent Pipeline: Strategies for Workforce Development in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge.” The report was developed along with the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency and the Workforce Development Institute.

Part of the Smithtown Central School District, the IAB, established in 1977, currently has over 300 industry-to-education partnerships that are helping to educate Smithtown students towards successful career pathways. 

“We continue to hear over and over again that filling the talent pool here on Long Island is more than difficult,” stated Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI. “This program is a direct response to the recommendations from our 2023 workforce development report and aims to bridge the gap between education and industry.”

Program Overview

The “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program invites HIA-LI member and non-member companies and organizations alike to host Smithtown High School students for a day, offering them the opportunity to observe and engage in various career areas. This initiative is part of HIA-LI’s broader workforce development initiatives, which emphasize the importance of early career exposure to help students set and achieve their career goals.

“The ‘Setup for Success’ Program is an excellent opportunity for companies to play a pivotal role in shaping the career paths of young professionals,” said Carol A. Allen, Board Chair of HIA-LI. “It’s an investment in our community’s future.”

Added Phil Como, Executive Director of the Smithtown IAB, “The ‘Setup for Success’ Program will provide invaluable experiences for our students, helping them to better understand and prepare for their future careers.”

Why Participate?

By participating in the “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program, companies can:

• Inspire and guide the next generation of professionals.
• Promote awareness of career opportunities within their organization and across Long Island.
• Contribute to the growth and development of Long Island’s future workforce.

“Collaborating with industry leaders through programs like this is crucial,” commented Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College and Co-Chair of the HIA-LI Workforce Development Task Force. It helps us ensure that our training and education efforts at all levels are coordinated and aligned with the needs of today’s job market.”

Program Logistics

• Duration: The shadowing experience is designed to last approximately 3-5 hours, typically between 9 am and 1 pm, ensuring it does not extend beyond the regular school day.
• Transportation: Students will arrange their transportation to and from the host company’s location.
• Expectations: Participating companies are asked to provide a safe and educational environment, adhering to all Federal and New York State Labor laws for individuals under the age of eighteen.

Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M Architects and Engineers and Co-Chair of the HIA-LI Workforce Development Task Force, noted, “This initiative not only helps students but also allows companies to showcase their work environments and the diverse career opportunities available on Long Island.”

How to Get Involved

Companies can express their interest by filling out the form at https://rebrand.ly/SFS2024. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact without a long-term commitment by simply offering students a glimpse into the daily operations of an industry.

For further information about the “Setup for Success Shadowing Program,” contact Halle Grossman at HIA-LI at 631-543-5355 or hgrossman@hia-li.org.