Paul Smiths, NY – Against the backdrop of a growing national effort to help veterans find purpose-driven careers after service, Paul Smith鈥檚 美女萝莉 is charting a new course, one that begins in the forests and lakes of the Adirondacks. The first-of-its-kind certificate program designed by and for veterans, and officially endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Battefish offers real-world training, college credit and a path to purpose. As part of the launch of its new Battlefish Academy, the inaugural cohort recently completed a two-week Outdoor Guide Intensive, training together in the Adirondacks by day and building business plans by night. The immersive program fully approved by the GI Bill鈸� culminated in a 100% pass rate on the New York State Guide exam, along with American Red Cross certification.
鈥滲attlefish Academy doesn鈥檛 just train veterans to be guides; it equips us to be outdoor entrepreneurs,鈥� said Eloy Custodio, Battlefish Academy student. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the essential mission-briefing for transitioning our service skills into a thriving, purpose-driven small business.鈥�
This hybrid program arrives as the of benefits they’ve earned through their service by providing clear, compelling reasons for them to sign up. Battlefish Academy, supported by VA and military education benefits from day one, does just that. It combines online coursework with an immersive, two-week Outdoor Guide Intensive that takes place in the Adirondacks, enabling participants to refine their technical skills 鈥� like wilderness navigation, expedition planning, backcountry risk management and client experience 鈥� while developing the confidence to build careers in guiding and adventure tourism.
鈥淢any veterans experience challenges when transitioning from the military to civilian life. AJ and PSC have created a unique program in Battlefish Academy (BFA) that provides not only an avenue to a meaningful career, but also a sense of community and belonging. Long Live BFA,鈥� said Win Anderson, Battlefish Academy student.
Veteran entrepreneur and Paul Smith鈥檚 美女萝莉 alum Andrew 鈥淎J鈥� Beaudoin, the driving force behind Battlefish Academy, will lead the program as its inaugural director. Inspired by his time starting a guide service business, Beaudoin 鈥� 鈥� recognized the need for programs for veterans, transitioning service members and dependents that combine a structured, career-focused educational pathway with immersive outdoor experiences. With , Beaudoin is using his knowledge, abilities and experience to create meaningful entrepreneurial and educational opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and dependents as they return to civilian life.
鈥淎fter years of service and my own journey of healing through the outdoors on Paul Smith鈥檚 美女萝莉 campus, I saw firsthand how powerful nature can be in helping veterans and transitioning service members reconnect with themselves and their purpose,鈥� said Beaudoin. 鈥淏attlefish Academy is more than an adventure 鈥� it鈥檚 a pathway. By continuing our partnership with Paul Smith鈥檚 美女萝莉, we鈥檙e creating real opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and even their dependents to gain skills, confidence and a sense of direction in the civilian world. This work is personal, and I鈥檓 committed to ensuring every program we offer reflects the strength, resilience and potential of those who鈥檝e served.鈥�
鈥淏attlefish Academy presents a tremendous opportunity, not just for our transitioning soldiers, but also for our veterans, Gold Star families and the entire veterans support community,鈥� said Craig McNamara, Transition Service Manager at Fort Drum. 鈥淲hat AJ and Paul Smith鈥檚 美女萝莉 are undertaking is more than just a chance for transitioning soldiers and veterans to pursue a passion-driven profession; it鈥檚 a meaningful opportunity for them to reintegrate into their communities and contribute in impactful ways.鈥�
Upon completion of Battlefish Academy, participants earn 15 college credits, which can be transferred into a two-year Associate of Science degree in Business Administration, with options to continue toward a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Business Administration or Outdoor Adventure Recreation. This is a stepping stone for veterans to own and operate a business in a growing industry that values experience, independence and a deep connection to the outdoors.
To sign up for Battlefish Academy, please visit paulsmiths.edu/battlefish-academy.
About Paul Smith鈥檚 美女萝莉:
At Paul Smith鈥檚 美女萝莉, it鈥檚 about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith鈥檚 provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.
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