Battlefish Academy at Paul Smith’s College: A Purpose-Driven Path for Transitioning Service Members & Veterans
At Paul Smith’s College, our commitment to transitioning service members and veterans runs deep. From dedicated campus resources to hands-on, career-ready programs, we honor the service of those who’ve worn the uniform by helping them chart a purposeful path forward.
Battlefish Academy is a proud part of that mission.
This unique program offers transitioning service members and veterans the opportunity to learn outside the traditional classroom—on the water, in the forest, and along the ridgelines of the Adirondacks. It’s where new skills are forged beside like-minded peers, and where knowledge gained through experience is recognized and built upon.
With a long-standing legacy of supporting those who serve, and a campus that doubles as classroom and proving ground, Paul Smith’s College is where your next chapter begins—grounded in purpose, community, and the grit that defines our community.
Small Business Certificate
The Battlefish Academy Small Business Certificate earns 15 college credits, seamlessly transferring into a two-year degree in Business Administration.
More than a credential—this is a stepping stone to owning and operating a business in a growing industry that values experience, independence, and a deep connection to the outdoors.
Battlefish Academy Small Business Certificate credits transfer into degree programs at Paul Smith’s College:
- A.S. Business Administration (60 credits)
- B.S. Outdoor Adventure Recreation (120 credits)
- B.S. Psychology (120 credits)
| Course Code | Title | Credits | Format/Dates |
| MGT200 | Principles of Management | 3 | Online. June 23-July 11, 2025 |
| PSY110 | Organizational Psychology | 3 | Online. July 14-August 1, 2025 |
| REC199 | Battlefish Foundations of Leadership | 3 | Hybrid. August 4-8 (online), August 11-22 (on-site) |
| MKT200 | Principles of Marketing | 3 | Online. August 25-September 12, 2025 |
| MGT210 | Business Systems | 3 | Online. September 15-October 3, 2025 |
A National Model, Rooted in the Adirondacks
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Outdoor Guide Intensive
The Adirondacks demand awareness, resilience, and a deep respect for the land—qualities that come naturally to those who have served. Time spent in the backcountry, along the waterways, and in remote settings fosters not just expertise, but a connection to a landscape that has shaped generations.
The Adirondacks demand awareness, resilience, and a deep respect for the land—qualities that come naturally to those who have served. Time spent in the backcountry, along the waterways, and in remote settings fosters not just expertise, but a connection to a landscape that has shaped generations.
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Building a Business Around Experience
This hybrid program, supported by GI Bill funding, combines online coursework with an immersive, two-week Outdoor Guide Intensive that takes place in the Adirondacks—ensuring that participants not only refine their technical skills but develop the confidence to build careers in guiding and adventure tourism.
This hybrid program, supported by GI Bill funding, combines online coursework with an immersive, two-week Outdoor Guide Intensive that takes place in the Adirondacks—ensuring that participants not only refine their technical skills but develop the confidence to build careers in guiding and adventure tourism.
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Rooted in the Adirondacks
Battlefish Academy is more than a program—it’s an opportunity to turn experience and passion into a future in business ownership. Students will engage in a structured program that builds on their strengths while introducing new tools to succeed in the outdoor industry and beyond.
Battlefish Academy is more than a program—it’s an opportunity to turn experience and passion into a future in business ownership. Students will engage in a structured program that builds on their strengths while introducing new tools to succeed in the outdoor industry and beyond.
Your First Step Starts Here
For those ready to turn experience into expertise, ideas into action, and passion into a business, Battlefish Academy at Paul Smith’s College provides the foundation. Your next chapter starts here.
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.
“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 transitioning service members and 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 them with a purpose-driven transition into civilian life.”
Battlefish Academy
AJ Beaudoin
Battlefish Academy
Director