2026 - James Fayson

Mr. James Fayson is proud to say his first graduation experience was with the Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC). Having attended Burgard Vocational High School in the welding program, he later attended the Adult Learning Center and earned his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). James says he took on many jobs after that including working as a landscaper for eight years.

James says he is fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend BEOC because the experience changed the trajectory of his life. Enrolling in the Highway Construction Program, he knew “better things” were awaiting him upon the first day of class. He says the hands-on aspect of the program made him adept at pipe laying, mixing cement and asphalt, pouring foundations and connecting and disconnecting pipes and main water lines. The program offered him more than just hard skills.  James says, “EOC Student Support Services helped me stay on top of everything; the counselors and case managers showed me the big picture and how this program could be a stepping-stone to great things. They inspired me to stay committed”. James elaborated on his achievement as a featured student in BEOC’s graduation video.

James excelled at BEOC. He represented the Center at the 2025 Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus in Albany, NY. Demonstrating how to build a wall during interactive presentations, James says the experience strengthened his confidence and broadened his professional perspective having met John B.  King Jr., Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY); Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly and April Baskin, New York State Senator representing the 63^rd District. Another noteworthy accomplishment is that James was hired in the field while still enrolled as a student. He worked at the new Perry Projects construction site in Buffalo hanging drywall in the morning and attended classes in the afternoon. Balancing both work and school, he says faculty and staff were supportive yet demanding in their expectations and assisted him in transitioning from student to employee, from working a job into building a career.

When asked what major impact the BEOC had on him, James comments that the program enlightened him as to the highly profitable opportunities afforded in the construction and trades worlds that now benefit his family.                                                                                                          

Currently, Mr. James Fayson is an Industrial Painter with District Council #4 Painters & Allied Trades Union of WNY. He started in July 2025 and travels throughout New York; to date he has painted bridges in Pittsford, Ogdensburg, Kennedy, Rochester and Syracuse.