BOCES offers students real life options

Multiple classes in a variety of fields

By Kara Didrich | Manor Ink

Town of Liberty, NY – Have you ever wondered what exactly is BOCES, and what services they provide? Well, BOCES, or Board of Cooperative Education Services, was established in 1948 to provide both shared programs and services to public school districts. Currently, there are 37 BOCES in New York State. The local Sullivan BOCES in this town provides career and technical education or CTE, and alternative education programs, as well as special education for county students.

Manor Ink took a deep dive into the CTE program for eligible students in the 11th and 12th grades. In a recent interview with Sullivan BOCES Director of Communications Donna Hemmer, the process of enrolling in a BOCES CTE program was explained.

“A student would contact their guidance counselor in their home school, tell them that they’re interested in a program, and their guidance counselor will work with the student to get them registered for their program of choice,” Hemmer said.

With a total of 17 CTE programs, students have an amazing array to choose from: Allied Health, Animal Science, Auto Body, Automotive Technology, Broadcasting & Music Production, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Trades, Health Occupations, Innovative Design, Natural Resources, Plumbing/HVAC, New Vision Health, Public Safety Services and Welding.

Students can earn degree credits

All of these programs include articulation agreements with colleges or trade schools, giving students the opportunity to earn credits toward either an Associate or Bachelor’s degree while still attending high school.

For any who are concerned about costs, BOCES programs are free to enroll, though certain programs such as construction and public safety require the purchase of uniforms or work boots.

Hemmer explained the New Vision Health program open only to seniors. “New Vision is an amazing program,” she said. “It’s a rigorous program for college-bound students who are interested in the health-related field.” Hemmer noted that students in this program may go on to be doctors, dieticians or physical therapists, as well as many other health-related occupations.

Hemmer explained that all of the CTE programs provide hands-on experience in real world settings. “They’re in actual working scenarios and their classrooms are working shops, in most cases.” There is a full kitchen for the culinary arts program, two automotive shops for the auto programs, broadcasting and music production students work with local radio station WJFF, early childhood participants complete internships with local school districts and cosmetology students actually run a full service beauty salon.

Those in health-related programs are also able to gain experience in local nursing homes, rehab centers and hospital settings. Their classrooms are located at Garnet Health Catskills in Harris, giving students exposure to a wide range of care in the healthcare field.

Some of BOCES’s more recent programs are in the plumbing/HVAC and electrical trades. They are very popular among the institution’s students. “Our welding, public safety and our electrical programs are all exploding,” said Hemmer.

Common misconceptions about BOCES

Many people believe that BOCES is the route for those who do not intend to go to college, but that is not necessarily so. “For a long time many people thought BOCES was only for students who weren’t planning to go the college route or weren’t strong academically,” Hemmer said. “That’s not the case. We’ve had valedictorians, salutatorians and students across the full range of academic ability participate in our programs – and they’re succeeding because they’ve found something they’re passionate about, become engaged and thrive.”

While it’s hard to articulate everything that makes Sullivan BOCES special, Hemmer made clear that the combination of hands-on learning, diverse programs, dedicated teachers, partner establishments, and the relationships formed among students from across the county creates a truly exceptional and supportive learning environment where Sullivan’s young adults can explore their interests and discover their passions.