SUNY Workforce Scholarships Awarded

Two students in the SUNY Westchester Peekskill Extension Adult Learner Program have received workforce scholarships. Jennifer Penaflor of Brooklyn is enrolled in the Historic Preservation Certificate Program. Daniella Krihely of Rego Park, Queens, is in the 3D Animation Certificate Program. 

The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Foundation offers scholarships to students enrolled at the SUNY Westchester Peekskill Extension within the Workforce Development & Community Education Division 

Now in its third year, the annual program awards two $1,000 scholarships to students in emerging technology programs related to arts technology design careers, and historic preservation. Scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s school. 

Scholarships are awarded regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, disability, or ethnic origin.  Recipients are selected based on Professional Experience, Leadership, and Honors/Awards/Recognition. 

 Jennifer Penaflor

 Jennifer Penaflor
(portfolio > jenniferpenaflor.com)
With a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and over a decade of experience as a graphic designer, I’ve honed my skills in visual storytelling and creative problem-solving. My journey into historic preservation was unexpected, yet deeply rooted in my love for nostalgia.  

A pivotal moment in my life was the loss of a relative, which sparked a profound desire to preserve my family history and ensure that their stories lived on. This personal connection to the past ignited a passion that led to my discovery of careers in historic preservation and a desire to apply my creative talents to this meaningful field.  

Through the Hudson Valley Gateway Foundation Scholarship for Adult Learners, I have been able to pursue my dream of transitioning into a career in historic preservation. I am eager to learn more at SUNY Westchester Peekskill and leverage my skills and knowledge to help protect and preserve our cultural heritage for future generations.  

Daniela Kriehly

Daniela Kriehly
(portfolio > daniellakrihely.com)
Learning was something that often came as second nature to me, and after earning my BFA from Parsons in 2014, I continued learning on the job and on my own. While I went into the field of Animation, my specialty lay in 2D and Motion Graphics, and have come a long way since then, working with a multitude of clients and working with a reliable studio for years.  

Months ago, I was encouraged to look at 3D Learning classes and came across SUNY’s 3D Certificate Program. Currently, the classes for 3D Modeling and Animation have been challenging, but the classes gave me better insight into the 3D career space I wouldn’t have learned of on my own. 

The Hudson Valley Gateway Foundation’s Adult Learners Scholarship shows the school values continued education and improvement, not just for me, but for anyone looking to do so.

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