Saratoga County Institute of Management Relaunches to Empower Emerging and New Managers and Leaders

SCIM offers new accelerated six-week programs that not only sharpen technical and soft skills but also address some of the most common challenges faced by new managers. Participants will walk away with strategies to boost team dynamics, improve communication, and engage in effective leadership after track one. Track two covers a more tactical skill set, with a curriculum designed to cover finance, legal, human resource and resource management.

“The Saratoga County Institute of Management reflects our commitment to cultivating management excellence across all sectors of our economy,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “SCIM is an incredible opportunity for local organizations to invest in their greatest asset—their people.”

Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf said, "The SCIM program is an important investment in our community. It helps strengthen the capacity of emerging leaders across sectors in our region. Empire State University is proud to be part of this impactful initiative."

The SCIM program was launched as a pilot before the COVID-19 pandemic. The original program was also a collaboration between the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and then Empire State College and was funded and with financial support from the Saratoga County Capital Resources Corporation (SCCRC).

The program is divided into two sequential tracks, each designed to address critical aspects of management development. Participants have the option to enroll in one or both tracks, as Track One is not a prerequisite for Track Two:

Track One – Mastering Personal and Team Management
This track focuses on unlocking individual and team potential through sessions led by industry experts. Topics include:

Track one classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from March 18 through April 22 at Empire State University in Saratoga Springs.

Track Two – Strategic Management Excellence
This track equips leaders with the tools they need to manage with precision and forward-thinking strategies. Participants will gain knowledge on topics such as:

Track two classes will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from April 29 through June 3 at the same location.

SCIM is much more than a management training program. By enrolling, participants will gain access to a network of fellow leaders and regionally recognized subject matter experts. The program enhances management capabilities, strengthens retention, and demonstrates an organization’s commitment to talent development. Past participants reported transformational growth, with one attendee noting, “This was an awesome experience. It really changes the way you think about everything, and it is realistic and applicable to everyday use!”

Employers see the value as well. “Stewart’s Shops has always believed that we have far greater results by promoting from within our organization. The SCIM program is an excellent opportunity to invest in and broaden our partners’ skills to set them up for success,” said Chad Kiesow, Chief Operating Officer and VP of Facilities of Stewart’s Shops. “SCIM’s value continues to grow as the employment market becomes tighter and more competitive.”

Enrollment is now open, with each track priced at $945 per employee for Saratoga County Chamber members and $1,445 for non-members. Scholarships are available to support small businesses and impact sector organizations. Each class size is capped at 24 participants to ensure a personalized, engaging experience.