Incoming Colonie students learn about town jobs, helping their community

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Incoming high school students in Colonie are not only getting ready for the new school year, but they are also getting ready to give back to their communities. Students took part in the SMART program on Friday.

The teens visited Colonie EMS, police, and the town water treatment plant to learn more about town jobs and how they can get involved in helping the town. Local leaders said the unique orientation teaches students essential skills they'll need in the future.

"What's more important than water or sewers or public safety?" Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey said. "These are boots on the ground jobs that need to be filled."

"I think it's important that we learn about this stuff because it's how people save lives," student Audrey Hall said. "It can be used in any situation and any scenario."

The program also helps students earn the Seal of Civic Readiness through New York State's education department.