Out-of-Town BU Grads Staying in Binghamton

10/10/2012 (Updated 6:39:26 PM)

(Source: Jason Weinstein)

When Patrick Madej graduated from Binghamton University in May, the Long Island native wanted to stay in the area but had to search throughout the state for a job. He eventually found what he wanted - an opportunity in the area at Americorps.

"A lot of graduates, they graduated and kind of just choose to go back home or go off to somewhere else and a lot of them might not know about the opportunities that are here in Binghamton," said Madej.

"Binghamton is a beautiful place. There's a great community there that unfortunately is a little bit depressed right now. I think it's a great opportunity for graduates like myself to stay and help," said BU graduate Victor Yang.

Victor Yang, a Queens native, also chose to stay. Making it easier to stay in the community was finding jobs that connected them to it.

With Americorps, Madej coordinates after-school programs at Binghamton High School to help improve students' chances of graduating. Yang develops needs assessments to deliver services to veterans.

"There are a lot of opportunities to stay and make the community better and give a little bit back to the school that they enjoy so much," said Madej.

"Binghamton and the surrounding areas have offered me so much during my time here. I spent a lot of time at local businesses and people have been so nice to me. And I find it disappointing more people don't stay and help out," said Yang.

The best way to entice young graduates to stay is to have a healthy job market. Binghamton's unemployment rate in August was 8.9 percent, up from 7.9 percent in August of 2011.

The latest available numbers show Binghamton's per-capita income was just over $24,000 in 2011, below both the national and New York state averages. But both Madej and Yang say more opportunities may be on the way.

"I really like it up here. I feel like the city has a lot of potential. I got to work through some internships downtown. Basically I just felt a connection with the area and I wanted to stay," said Madej.

****In Binghamton, Jason Weinstein, Fox 40 HD News.****

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