This program empowers veterans transitioning from service to build sustainable careers in the outdoors
Paul Smith’s College proudly announces the official launch of Battlefish Academy, an innovative new program dedicated to providing military veterans with a hands-on, career-driven pathway into the guiding and outdoor business industries. Led by inaugural director and veteran entrepreneur Andrew “AJ” Beaudoin, Battlefish Academy is uniquely designed to translate veterans’ leadership, resilience and skills into sustainable careers in the outdoor economy. While designed with veterans in mind, this program is also open to others seeking to build careers in outdoor leadership and business.
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Battlefish Academy (Photo: Business Wire)
A bold vision for veterans, the outdoors and entrepreneurship
With its 14,000-acre campus in the Adirondacks, a deep-rooted commitment to experiential learning and a history of supporting veterans, Paul Smith’s College is uniquely positioned to lead Battlefish Academy’s transformative model for veteran education and outdoor business development. The college has already invested significantly in this vision, establishing Battlefish Academy’s inaugural director, securing funding for a new Veterans Center and dedicating 18 acres for Battlefish Academy’s permanent home.
The right leader: AJ Beaudoin
Beaudoin is the driving force behind Battlefish Academy. After years of service in the U.S. Army and a personal journey of rediscovery through outdoor adventure, Beaudoin founded programs designed to provide veterans with immersive outdoor experiences. Recognizing the need for a structured, career-focused educational pathway for veterans, he partnered with Paul Smith’s College to expand the impact of this work. With a background in outdoor business development, expedition leadership, and veteran transition programs, Beaudoin brings a wealth of experience to ensure Battlefish Academy meets its mission.
“AJ is one of the most passionate and dedicated leaders I’ve worked with in the veteran transition space. His vision for Battlefish Academy is exactly what our service members need — a path that values their experience and empowers them to build meaningful careers on their own terms. His ability to connect, inspire and lead makes this program truly exceptional, and I have no doubt that it will change lives,” said Craig McNamara, Transition Service Manager at Fort Drum.
The Battlefish Academy certificate: A pathway to business success
Programming at Battlefish Academy equips veterans with the skills and knowledge to launch and grow careers in the outdoor industry. Participants can earn a Paul Smith’s College certificate, gaining expertise in key entrepreneurial and outdoor leadership skills, as well as experiences that explore the connections between nature, well-being and recreation. These stackable credentials serve as a foundation for further education, including business, outdoor recreation and ecopsychology coursework, with opportunities to apply them to associate and bachelor’s degree pathways.
With a range of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of transitioning veterans, Battlefish Academy provides a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for those looking to build careers rooted in experience, independence and a deep connection to the outdoors.
Outdoor guide intensive: Learning through experience
The Adirondacks demand awareness, resilience and a deep respect for the land — qualities that come naturally to those who have served. This two-week immersion builds on those strengths, combining wilderness navigation, safety and survival, guiding principles and environmental knowledge with hands-on instruction in expedition logistics, group dynamics and outdoor business fundamentals.
Institutional commitment to veteran support
Paul Smith’s College has a long-standing history of supporting veterans, dating back to WWII training programs and continuing through today’s career-focused education. Its newly-funded Veterans Center will serve as a hub for veteran students, providing mentorship, networking opportunities and support services.
“Paul Smith’s College has always been a place where experience and education go hand in hand, making Battlefish Academy’s program a perfect fit,” said Dr. Dan Kelting, President of Paul Smith’s College. “With Battlefish Academy, we are not only honoring the service of our veterans but investing in their futures by equipping them with skills that lead to meaningful careers. We are incredibly proud to take this step and to provide veterans with a purpose-driven transition into civilian life.”
For more information on Battlefish Academy, visit https://www.paulsmiths.edu/battlefish-academy/.
About Paul Smith’s College:
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We 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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Contacts
Media Contacts
For press inquiries, contact PRforPaulSmiths@bospar.com
For partnership opportunities, contact AJ Beaudoin
For transitioning veterans and dependents, contact Nicole Beaudoin
