Overcoming Stigma: The Truth About BOCES
BOCES is a regional program that offers students an alternative to a traditional education; it is, instead, a vocational education center. For Sharon Springs students, they have the option of either going to Otsego Area Occupation Center (OAOC) or to a Capital Region BOCES. Many students, staff members, and community members hold a stigma upon BOCES students concluding that they are "incapable" of taking "real" academic courses at their component school. These stigma holders assume that BOCES students are unintelligent. This label is not necessarily true. BOCES offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, CTE New Visions programs, Career Pathways (CP) programs, and all-day academic programs. The CTE programs offered at BOCES include, but are certainly not limited to health occupations, cosmetology, culinary arts, criminal justice, information technology, welding & metal fabrication, automotive services technician, building trades, and natural resource occupations. These CTE programs offer at least one type of certification as shown below.
Health Occupations: CPR/AED & First Aid Certification, & Nursing Assistant Certification
(This is an image of the Health Occupation students at BOCES as they are receiving some hands-on demonstrations at a local hospital)
Cosmetology & Spa Services: Cosmetology License
Culinary Arts: National Restaurant Association ServSafe Sanitation
Information Technology: CompTIA A+ PC Technician & Repair; Network+; Security+ and Related Certifications, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP/MCT) Certifications and MCSA/MCSE related credentials, Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS/MOS), Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3)
Welding & Metal Fabrication: Certified Welder
Natural Resource Occupations: CPR/AED & First Aid, OSHA Certification, Forklift Truck Operator Certification, Commercial Drivers License Class B, Trained Logger Certification Level 1, & NOCTI
Building Trades: CPR/AED & First Aid Certification, Fork Truck Operator Safety, HEAT Certification, OSHA 10 Construction Certification, & OSHA 10 General Industry Certification
CTE students can also receive advanced placement and/or college credits to participating colleges/universities. Multiple forms of generous scholarships are offered to successful CTE students as well. Scholarships and recognition can also be awarded to students who participate (and possibly hold office) in at least one BOCES affiliated club/organization. These extracurricular activities include Skills USA, National Technical Honor Society, Future Health Professionals (HOSA), College For Every Student (CFES), FFA, and many others. These organizations expand education through vigorous competition and rewarding community service. The CTE New Visions programs is an all-day advanced curriculum program for high school seniors to study in one specific field. New Visions programs include health professions, engineering, visual arts, law & government, journalism & media studies, and much more. The completion of a CTE program (either half-day or new visions) looks quite valuable on a college application or on a resumé. The skills that derive from any of these vocational programs are especially necessary for a safe, efficient, and satisfactory world. Graduating from a BOCES program can make anyone one step ahead for their future education and career. To learn more about specific CTE programs in our area, please visit these websites.
