Albany Technical College has reached a significant milestone in the growth and success of its Addiction & Substance Abuse Counseling Program. Launched on September 3, 2021, with just two enrolled students and an unfinished lab space, the program has since developed into a thriving and impactful initiative within the college.

Less than a year after its inception, the dedicated lab was completed, and in December 2022, the program celebrated its first graduate. Since then, seven more students have completed the program, and at the upcoming Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 2, the college will proudly recognize 17 new graduates, bringing the total number of program graduates to 25. This achievement marks a remarkable milestone not only for the program but also for the broader college community.

“We are incredibly proud of how far this program has come in such a short amount of time,” said Dr. Emmett Griswold, President of Albany Technical College. “Our students are passionate, driven, and committed to making a difference. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of our faculty and staff.”

One of the most notable accomplishments of the program is its 100% job offer rate for students who completed a practicum. Every practicum student received a job offer prior to graduation, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for the workforce and addressing critical needs in the community.

"When we started this program, we dreamed of building something that would truly impact lives, both for our students and for the people they’ll serve. Seeing our graduates walk across that stage, knowing they already have job offers, and watching this community grow is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," stated Shona M. Jones-Bennett, Chair of the Addiction & Substance Abuse Counseling Program.

To commemorate this milestone and foster continued connections, Albany Technical College will host a Meet and Greet event for past and present graduates of the program on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the CEIT Building. The event will provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences, network with professionals, and celebrate their collective journey.