Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center instructors have scheduled visits at each of the Ulster County high schools to discuss the various programs that are available next year to juniors and seniors. Students who are currently enrolled in programs will also be available to share their first-hand experiences with the current sophomores. Students with any questions about their ability to attend the informational sessions should speak with their guidance counselor for further details. An Open House for parents and their students to attend together is also planned for February 20, 2020. There will be two sessions to choose from at 5:15 p.m. or 6:15 p.m. The snow date for this event is February 25.
Ulster BOCES has a 95% graduation rate. More than 40 articulation agreements are in place for two-year career programs with several post-secondary institutions. Upon successful completion of coursework, most CTE programs allow students to earn college credits while in high school, and some qualify students for industry-related licenses and certifications. Through a blended approach of classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and worksite assignments, students build specific skills related to a career area. Programs are designed with input from business and industry partners. CTE can be a valuable career path for students interested in going onto college or directly entering the workforce.
Ulster County students have access to 26 hands-on, real-world programs in career areas ranging from culinary arts, healthcare, engineering, robotics, aviation, education, technology, and more. New this year, students will have the opportunity to enroll in Animal Science. This technical course teachers specialized and advanced skills in areas such as veterinary assisting, care and handling of animals in a laboratory or veterinary setting, dog grooming, and kennel/pet shop management.
In addition to the two-year programs, juniors can also learn about a senior year experience available in the rigorous Pre-University/New Visions program, which, in addition to classwork and the opportunity to earn 12 college credits, places students in the field alongside professionals for part of the day. New Visions programs are available in robotics/engineering, healthcare, education, and music and audio production.
The informational visits to the schools are scheduled as follows:
Onteora High School on November 13 during periods 1-7 and Pre-University/New Visions presentations will be held during periods 2 and 6.
Ellenville High School on November 14 during periods 1-8 and Pre-University/New Visions presentations will be held during periods 2-7.
Highland High School on November 19. Both CTE and Pre-University/New Visions presentations will be made that day from 9:38 – 11 a.m. The snow date is November 20.
New Paltz High School on December 3. The CTE presentation will take place during block 1 and the Pre-University/New Visions presentation will take place during block 2. The snow date is December 5.
Wallkill High School on December 10 from 10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Pre-University/New Visions presentations will also be made that day. The snow date is December 11.
Saugerties High School on December 17. The snow date is December 18.
Kingston High School on February 11. More details will be announced at a later date.
Rondout Valley High School on January 7 and 8. Pre-University/New Visions presentations will also be made on those days. The snow date is January 9.
“One of the biggest challenges employers face is finding skilled workers,” said CTE Principal Amy Storenski, “Our goal is to strengthen the partnership between colleges, educators, and industry leaders and to be a conduit for student entering post-secondary education and workforce opportunities.”