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2026-2027 Hudson Valley Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) Cohort

We are excited to announce the launch of the 2026-2027 Hudson Valley Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) Cohort!

What is PRHYLI?

The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) is a FREE 30-hour leadership development program for Hispanic/Latino high school students in New York State. Through engaging workshops and statewide events, students will:

  • Network with peers and community leaders

  • Develop public speaking and critical thinking skills

  • Learn parliamentary procedures and debate bills

In-Person Training Sessions

All sessions will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM:

  • Session 1: October 15, 2026 - Manhattanville University

  • Session 2: November 10, 2026 - Vassar College

  • Session 3: December 15, 2026 - SUNY New Paltz

  • Session 4: January 12, 2027 - SUNY Purchase

  • Session 5: February 9, 2027 - Dominican University

Special Events:

  • November 19, 2026: Senior Field Trip to NYS Assembly (Participating senior student delegates; maximum of 45 students)

  • March 2, 2027: Students invited to PR/HYLI Weekend – Rockland Community College

  • PR/HYLI Weekend: TBD; Albany, NY (50 selected students)

  • PR/HYLI Reunion: TBD

Key Application Dates:

  • Applications Open: Thursday, August 13, 2026

  • Applications Close: Friday, September 25, 2026

Q&A
Sessions Calendar
Guide to HV PR/HYLI

Virtual Informational Sessions (Please register for one only)

This is an incredible opportunity to gain leadership experience, build lifelong connections, and represent your community in Albany! Thank you for helping us share this opportunity and supporting the next generation of Hispanic leaders.

Best regards,

Hudson Valley Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (HV RBERN) Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Facilitators

Hudson Valley RBERN Update

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HV RBERN Professional Learning Opportunities

Please note: Revisions have been made to the "Looking Beyond Language..." workshops at PNW and Sullivan BOCES.

  • 10/13/26, 1/14/27, 3/9/27 A Dynamic Duo: Teachers & School Librarians - Series of 3 Sessions - for Ulster, Dutchess & Sullivan BOCES - at SENYLRC, Highland & Ulster BOCES

Resources

New York State Education Department

2026 NYSESLAT Conversion Charts Now Available

The New York State Education Department has released the 2026 NYSESLAT Conversion Charts and guidance for determining English language proficiency levels from the final administration of the NYSESLAT. Districts are encouraged to review the memorandum and accompanying attachment below as they prepare to interpret Spring 2026 student results and plan for the upcoming transition to WIDA ACCESS. Rules on exit criteria can be found in the SIRS Manual.

WIDA Assessments

WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual   

Find all the available accessibility supports and accommodations for WIDA Screener and WIDA ACCESS in the WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual. Decision-making teams should use the manual, along with state-specific policies, to determine what accommodations are appropriate for each student.  

In case you missed it: There are new accessibility features and accommodations for WIDA Screener Online and WIDA ACCESS Online in the 2026-2027 school year. Learn about these changes in their news article that covers why they made these updates and how they impact the testing experience.  

WIDA Accommodations Checklist    

Keep track of which accommodations a student needs to use on WIDA Screener and WIDA ACCESS assessments by filling out the relevant, test-specific WIDA Accommodations Checklist. 

ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS? (Webinar recording)    

Learn about the decision-making process for choosing whether an English learner should take WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS in the ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS? WIDA Webinar recording.  

Bonus! Supporting Multilingual Learners with Disabilities Webpage    

Looking for general info on teaching multilingual learners with disabilities? Check out the Supporting Multilingual Learners With Disabilities webpage that houses videos, tools, handouts and other resources.

If you have questions, contact the WIDA Client Services Center at help@wida.wisc.edu. 

Career Opportunities

Ossining UFSD

Please contact the HV RBERN for support or with any questions you may have.

Hudson Valley RBERN Update

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Resources

WIDA Assessments

WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual   

Find all the available accessibility supports and accommodations for WIDA Screener and WIDA ACCESS in the WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual. Decision-making teams should use the manual, along with state-specific policies, to determine what accommodations are appropriate for each student.  

In case you missed it: There are new accessibility features and accommodations for WIDA Screener Online and WIDA ACCESS Online in the 2026-2027 school year. Learn about these changes in their news article that covers why they made these updates and how they impact the testing experience.  

WIDA Accommodations Checklists    

Keep track of which accommodations a student needs to use on WIDA Screener and WIDA ACCESS assessments by filling out the relevant, test specific WIDA Accommodations Checklist. 

ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS? (Webinar Recording)    

Learn about the decision-making process for choosing whether an English learner should take WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS in the ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS? WIDA Webinar recording.  

Bonus! Supporting Multilingual Learners With Disabilities Webpage    

Looking for general info on teaching multilingual learners with disabilities? Check out the Supporting Multilingual Learners With Disabilities webpage that houses videos, tools, handouts and other resources.

If you have questions, contact the WIDA Client Services Center at help@wida.wisc.edu. 

Career Opportunities

Ossining UFSD

Washingtonville CSD

Please contact the HV RBERN for support or with any questions you may have.