BOCES, through Victor Senior High School, is a highly appreciated program that many students take advantage of during their junior and senior years.

BOCES is an acronym for the Board Of Cooperative Educational Services, which has 37 BOCES schools partnering with most of New York’s schools to meet students’ educational needs. Our school utilizes WFL BOCES. 

Nearing the end of their sophomore year, students meet to learn about the BOCES programs, where faculty members describe them, and students can learn more about the school. 

BOCES offers options that can help you explore and prepare for your future, making your decision easier and more informed. 

What IS BOCES?

For sophomores, you’re just starting to think about what you’re going to do after high school. Consider how BOCES programs can complement your college or career plans, whether you’re interested in the workforce, military, or college. BOCES offers options that can help you explore and prepare for your future, making your decision easier and more informed.

BOCES is a school that offers programs designed to teach students practical skills and knowledge for specific trade jobs. It provides hands-on experience and lecture time, with accommodations and support available for students with diverse learning needs, helping all students succeed in their chosen paths. 

The program’s emphasis on real-world experience helps raise employment rates and meet industry-specific standards. This allows students to succeed in their chosen path directly after graduation. It also ensures that they are being encouraged to take part in lifelong learning and experience. 

At the end of the two years, students earn certificates and college credits that enhance their employment prospects in their field—students who graduate from BOCES progress in their problem-solving skills, technical proficiency, and immediate workplace readiness. 

How could BOCES help me in the future?

Most students learn through hands-on experience, dealing with labs, workshops, and real-world projects. This helps students apply what they learn in lectures and retain knowledge more effectively.

Importantly, students earn college credits through dual enrollment, thereby reducing the time to degree completion and educational costs. 

If you’re interested in a trade, BOCES offers a variety of courses listed below. Each of these includes specific services that students can enroll in to further their education. 

 Architecture and Communication/Manufacturing

The programs included in this category are Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, and Electrical Trades. To succeed in these programs, you will need problem-solving skills, math efficiency, attention to detail, and spatial reasoning. 

In Manufacturing and Engineering, you acquire knowledge about preparing for engineering tech. In Carpentry, you gain an understanding of select roles in roofing, framing, drywall, and finishing. Finally, in Electrical Trades, you gain experience in wiring and circuitry.

A student shared, “Even if you don’t go into anything serious with it, it’s still a really good trait to have for housework,” which can inspire students and parents to see the value in learning practical skills and feel hopeful about future opportunities. 

A/V Technology and Communications 

The programs in this category include Graphic Media Productions, Computer Programming, and Video Game Design. For these programs, students will need to be detail-oriented and interested in digital design. In both programs, you will learn to work on digital graphic programs and programming.

In Graphic Media Productions, you master photography, illustration, and portfolio development. In Video Game Design and Computer Programming, you study programming fundamentals, game design, and software development and testing.

Human Services, Education, Hospitality, and Natural Resources

The programs in this category are Animal Sciences, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Education Professions. For these programs, most will need creativity, leadership, good social skills, and responsibility. 

In Animal Sciences, you will care for both large and small animals and learn about animal anatomy and behavior. In Cosmetology, you explore hair cutting, dying, chemical services, and skin/makeup/nail care. In Culinary Arts, you’ll learn cooking, baking, and preparation for the previously stated acts. And in Education Professions, you gain classroom experiences and learn about child development.

One student in the Animal Science program said, “I love working with the animals, and I just love hanging around them. And it’s so much fun to meet new people from different schools.”

Another student from the Education Professions program stated, “It’s a smaller class, so we’re all very close to one another, and I love the internships we get to take part in. There isn’t anything I don’t like. I love everything about my class.”

Law and Health Sciences

In this category, the programs include Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Health Careers, New Visions Health Therapy Sciences, and New Visions Medical Careers. For these five categories, students will need to be familiar with communication and compassion and be able to make quick decisions.

In Criminal Justice, you receive training in law enforcement and forensic analysis. For EMS, First Aid/CPR, medical terminology, and basic training. For health careers, you’ll learn about patient care and have experience in medical environments. 

Both New Visions programs offer shadowing opportunities that help you gain medical knowledge. Designed for motivated and responsible seniors, the program provides a challenging, nontraditional year of learning through both independent and collaborative work in the classroom and professional settings.

One student from the EMS program stated, “I would recommend BOCES because it gets you a jump start for college,” and continued, “It’s obviously not for everybody, but you gotta find what you love.” 

Another student from the Criminal Justice program said, “I do recommend it  because of the positive impact that it has on future careers in college.”

Transportation

Finally, this category of programs includes Auto Body, Auto Technology, Diesel Technology, and Heavy Equipment Repair and Operations. In all of these programs, students find it helpful to have attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and mechanical aptitude. 

In Auto Body and Auto Technology, you develop knowledge of safety in mechanics and specifically learn about car parts and how to build them. 

In Diesel Technology, students and peers learn suspension, diagnostics, and preparation for future careers. And in Heavy Equipment Repair and Operations, you learn about operations and maintenance/repair, and preparation of equipment. 

“It’s very helpful for your future, and I like all the friendships I’ve created in my class because we’re like one big family,” said a student from the Auto Body program. 

Programs From a Staff Perspective

I spoke with Jessica Newby, the Principal of Special Programs at BOCES, and Shannon Brown, the Director of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development. They talked to me about the programs and told me a bit more about the school. 

In the interview, we spoke about specific programs, and some are pretty popular. Brown mentioned, “Our most popular programs, in no particular order, are electrical trades, cosmetology, and the Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation program.” 

Something that you should know about the programs that many people misunderstand is the split-class time. Each program has a time in the class dedicated to a “lecture period,” when students sit and listen to what they will perform in “lab work.” 

“It’s so, so important that our students have a base of understanding and safety before we allow them to go into the next steps,” stated Brown. It may not be everyone’s favorite part of classes, but students need to learn the skills required to excel in their future professions. 

Another exciting thing BOCES does for students is run the summer school program. Jessica Newby, who is the principal of the program, commented, “Some students will take health or PE or government or economics over the summer. All four of those classes students typically take when they want to get ahead in credits.”

Summer school isn’t just for students who don’t do well during the school year; it also offers a multitude of opportunities for students to succeed in the years ahead. This also helps students who want to graduate early. 

Wrap It Up!

For the students thinking about attending BOCES, YOU SHOULD! If you have a goal to do something in the future that BOCES offers, pursue it. You might regret it later if you don’t. 

And for students who don’t want to go to BOCES, you should do what will make you confident in your life, and you shouldn’t do something that won’t benefit you. However, I would highly suggest it. 

Although I don’t personally attend BOCES, I considered it before deciding to switch my major from education to journalism, and it was fascinating. The school looks great, and the people look inviting. You’ll definitely have a group of people that support you, so don’t be afraid to go!