Industry Ready NY Strengthens Workforce Pathways Across New York
Statewide collaboration connects education and industry through $3.7 million grant
A new statewide initiative, Industry Ready NY, will transform how students connect with careers, following a $5 million project funded with a $3.7 million grant awarded to the University at Buffalo. Industry Ready NY will expand a model developed by Broome-Tioga BOCES that connects students with hands-on learning experiences, industry mentors, and workforce opportunities. The initiative aims to increase career placement, strengthen regional talent pipelines, and support long-term economic growth.
“Through this investment, we are strengthening the connection between education and industry in a way that creates real opportunity for students and meets the workforce needs of New York State. This collaboration brings partners together around a shared goal: preparing the next generation for meaningful careers,” said Stacey Johnson, Director of Workforce Development and Industry Engagement at the University at Buffalo.
Participating BOCES include Broome-Tioga BOCES, Erie 1 BOCES, Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES, Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES BOCES), and Ulster BOCES.
Together, these organizations will work alongside business and industry leaders to create meaningful, real-world opportunities for students in high-demand fields.
Key objectives of Industry Ready NY include:
• Increasing student career placement outcomes
• Expanding partnerships with business and industry
• Aligning education with regional workforce needs
• Supporting family-sustaining career opportunities
A Statewide Effort with Local Impact
Each participating BOCES will tailor implementation to meet the needs of their region while maintaining a shared vision and coordinated strategy. Future Ready Centers will serve as hubs for collaboration between educators, students, and employers.
Congratulations to Shane Agosto, who was selected as the grand prize recipient of the Paul Jensen Memorial Scholarship because of his exceptional resourcefulness, ingenuity, and problem-solving abilities!
As part of his senior project in Equipment Operator and Repair (EOR), Shane designed and built a landscaping trailer and a custom truck rack for his landscaping business using repurposed and commonly available materials. Rather than purchasing costly equipment, he identified a need and creatively developed practical solutions using available resources. His project demonstrated technical skill, innovation, and determination while overcoming obstacles through hard work and creativity.
Shane’s accomplishments exemplify the purpose of this scholarship and showcase his ability to turn challenges into opportunities!
As part of his senior project in Equipment Operator and Repair (EOR), Shane designed and built a landscaping trailer and a custom truck rack for his landscaping business using repurposed and commonly available materials. Rather than purchasing costly equipment, he identified a need and creatively developed practical solutions using available resources. His project demonstrated technical skill, innovation, and determination while overcoming obstacles through hard work and creativity.
Shane’s accomplishments exemplify the purpose of this scholarship and showcase his ability to turn challenges into opportunities!
NCOC’s annual Field Day had a Hawaiian theme this year, featuring photo-op backdrops, inflatable palm trees, leis, and grass skirts. High school and elementary students participated in a variety of activities, including basketball, relay races, limbo, cornhole, tug-o-war, pie throw, slip-n-slide, and face painting provided by Ms. Nienstedt (art teacher) and student volunteers. The Leadership Club purchased hamburgers, hot dogs, and side salads from Horseshoe Café. Stewart’s in Stamford donated ice cream and supplies so students could choose from sundaes or root beer floats. Putting this all together is a big job, and we’re so thankful to have dedicated staff who help organize Field Day each year!
We are proud to announce a partnership with High Burl Brewery to provide a valuable internship opportunity for a local student. Landon, an OAOC Welding student from Edmeston Central School, is participating in the program to gain hands-on experience.
Throughout the internship, Landon has taken on vital landscaping tasks around the farm, including maintaining outdoor areas and supporting general farm upkeep, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic. This real-world experience is designed to support both career exploration and the development of practical skills, aligning with the ONC BOCES’s mission to prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
High Burl Brewery remains committed to fostering educational and professional growth within the region and looks forward to continuing to support similar partnerships in the years to come!
Last week, NCOC’s SEL Committee set up a Hydration Station where students and staff could come for a cup of ice water. They were able to choose stickers to decorate their cups, many of which had positive messages in line with Mental Health Awareness Month. They also had a choice of flavor packets to add to the water, including tasty options like blueberry lemonade, bubblegum, strawberry banana, and rainbow sherbet. It was a hot day, and 15 gallons of ice water were dispensed!
The Mechatronics Senior Class presented its Capstone Project to industry partners and ONC Administration: a Portable Power Monitoring Device (PPMD) developed from an initial sketch into a fully functioning prototype. Throughout the project, students maintained an Engineer’s Notebook, documented work hours, created a bill of materials, tracked costs, requested bids, recorded change orders, and completed a full project summary.
Working with Corning Inc. in Oneonta and Bartell Machinery in Rome, the class designed the PPMD as a flexible, modular platform capable of tracking and trending power usage across a wide range of voltage levels and power systems. Built using the Klein Tools ModBox platform, the device includes three components that can operate independently or together to monitor everything from household appliances to large three‑phase industrial machines and power distribution panels.
Students collaborated closely with Jeff Sciera of Ralph W. Earl Inc., the program’s automation and integration partner, to coordinate design needs with component manufacturers. The first real‑world implementation will support Corning in comparing power consumption between new autonomous pallet movers and older models, helping companies better predict return on investment through accurate power‑savings data. The second implementation will assist Bartell in monitoring the power usage of machines shipped worldwide, providing compliance testing to verify performance at various voltage levels.
We were honored to have representatives from both companies attend the presentation. Corning’s Rylan Caseman, Nate Morgan, and Tony Russo supported component selection for their application, while Bartell’s Jeremy Leary, Kevin Razy, and Luke Anderson guided industrial voltage considerations.
Instructor Nils Anderson, "I am proud of the Class of 2026 for taking on an idea and bringing it from a piece of paper to a working prototype in less than three months. We would also like to extend a thank you to the Corning Inc. Foundation for supporting this project with a grant. As a teacher, this is a great way to conclude the year!"
Working with Corning Inc. in Oneonta and Bartell Machinery in Rome, the class designed the PPMD as a flexible, modular platform capable of tracking and trending power usage across a wide range of voltage levels and power systems. Built using the Klein Tools ModBox platform, the device includes three components that can operate independently or together to monitor everything from household appliances to large three‑phase industrial machines and power distribution panels.
Students collaborated closely with Jeff Sciera of Ralph W. Earl Inc., the program’s automation and integration partner, to coordinate design needs with component manufacturers. The first real‑world implementation will support Corning in comparing power consumption between new autonomous pallet movers and older models, helping companies better predict return on investment through accurate power‑savings data. The second implementation will assist Bartell in monitoring the power usage of machines shipped worldwide, providing compliance testing to verify performance at various voltage levels.
We were honored to have representatives from both companies attend the presentation. Corning’s Rylan Caseman, Nate Morgan, and Tony Russo supported component selection for their application, while Bartell’s Jeremy Leary, Kevin Razy, and Luke Anderson guided industrial voltage considerations.
Instructor Nils Anderson, "I am proud of the Class of 2026 for taking on an idea and bringing it from a piece of paper to a working prototype in less than three months. We would also like to extend a thank you to the Corning Inc. Foundation for supporting this project with a grant. As a teacher, this is a great way to conclude the year!"
Congratulations to our talented NCOC Culinary Arts students on their outstanding performance at this year’s NY/VT ProStart Cake Competition!
1st Place – Hailey (Stamford Central School) with her Blueberry Pie Cake — a beautiful lemon-flavored checkerboard cake topped with vanilla bean frosting and fresh blueberries. The cake was as delicious as it was impressive! Cake or pie, you decide!
2nd Place – Ayana (Roxbury Central School) with her stunning Queen of Hearts Cake. A2-tiered chocolate & vanilla cakes layered with vanilla bean buttercream encased in fondant-
showcasing both creativity and decorating skills!
Thanks to all six Culinary students who submitted cakes for this year’s contest. They were all amazing!
1st Place – Hailey (Stamford Central School) with her Blueberry Pie Cake — a beautiful lemon-flavored checkerboard cake topped with vanilla bean frosting and fresh blueberries. The cake was as delicious as it was impressive! Cake or pie, you decide!
2nd Place – Ayana (Roxbury Central School) with her stunning Queen of Hearts Cake. A2-tiered chocolate & vanilla cakes layered with vanilla bean buttercream encased in fondant-
showcasing both creativity and decorating skills!
Thanks to all six Culinary students who submitted cakes for this year’s contest. They were all amazing!
Congratulations to Jerry, Mechatronics Program senior and this year’s Klein Tool Scholarship recipient!
Jerry will be heading to SUNY Delhi this fall to join the HVAC Program. Over the past few months, Jerry has been sharpening skills through an apprenticeship with Reinhart Home Heating — and will continue working with the team through the summer and during college breaks to build on classroom learning and hands‑on experience.
We’re incredibly proud of Jerry’s hard work, dedication, and bright future ahead.
Jerry will be heading to SUNY Delhi this fall to join the HVAC Program. Over the past few months, Jerry has been sharpening skills through an apprenticeship with Reinhart Home Heating — and will continue working with the team through the summer and during college breaks to build on classroom learning and hands‑on experience.
We’re incredibly proud of Jerry’s hard work, dedication, and bright future ahead.
Students in Grades 7–10 at OAOC participated in a fun team-building activity where they worked together to make homemade pasta and Alfredo sauce from scratch.
Everyone had a great time preparing their own lunch while practicing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Both students and staff had a great time, and the collaboration and positive attitudes on display made the activity a success!
#OAOC #TeamBuilding #LifeSkills #HandsOnLearning #StudentSuccess #CookingTogether #SchoolCommunity #LearningByDoing
Everyone had a great time preparing their own lunch while practicing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Both students and staff had a great time, and the collaboration and positive attitudes on display made the activity a success!
#OAOC #TeamBuilding #LifeSkills #HandsOnLearning #StudentSuccess #CookingTogether #SchoolCommunity #LearningByDoing
On June 10th, Mrs. Brandy Reed, Health Occupations Instructor, and Mrs. Stephanie Gil, LTA, took the OAOC Health Occupations Senior Class to the Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park for a class picnic. The students brought a dish to pass and celebrated the end of the year and the upcoming graduation from the Health Occupations Program. The class enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments, as well as team-building and problem-solving during the picnic. Some of them even learned to fish, thanks to their peers who were eager to share their expertise!
All Senior Health Occupations students have earned their technical endorsements, CPR and basic first aid certifications, and completed their Nurse Aide training and Home Health Aide certification (HHA). Many of the students recently obtained their Nurse Aide (CNA) certification as well.
The students overcame many challenges this year and should be very proud of their accomplishments!
All Senior Health Occupations students have earned their technical endorsements, CPR and basic first aid certifications, and completed their Nurse Aide training and Home Health Aide certification (HHA). Many of the students recently obtained their Nurse Aide (CNA) certification as well.
The students overcame many challenges this year and should be very proud of their accomplishments!
OAOC held its 2026 Signing Day last week to celebrate CTE students as they officially signed on to their next chapter — careers, apprenticeships, internships, and military service.
Their hard work and passion for skilled trades and professional training deserve the spotlight. Congratulations to all!
-Savannah is a CosmetologyEdemston student and has signed with Apex Barber Lounge.
-Trace is a Building Trades/Cherry Valley-Springfield student and has signed with Eastman Associates.
-Graham is a New Visions Engineering/Cherry Valley-Springfield student and has signed with the National Guard.
-Julian is a Culinary Arts/Oneonta student and has signed with The Otesaga.
-Tobias is an Automotive/Milford student and has signed with S+N Partners.
-Ryan is a Culinary Arts/Cooperstown student and has signed with Stagecoach.
-Emma is a Culinary Arts/Milford student and has signed with Mel's at 22.
-Tanner is an Automotive/Milford student and has signed with S+N Partners.
-Noah is a Natural Resources Occupations/Cooperstown student and has signed with the Air Force.
-Anneliese is a Visual Communications/Sharon Springs student and has signed with the Marines.
-Wyatt is a Welding/Oneonta student and has signed with Empire Metal Works.
-Cory is a Culinary Arts/Oneonta student and has signed with Sloan's.
-Devin is a Building Trades/Charlotte Valley student and has signed with Eastman Associates.
-Ryles is a Natural Resources Occupations/Cooperstown student and has signed with the Marines.
Thank you to the businesses, military recruiters, and community partners who recognize the value these students bring to the future workforce!
NCOC held its annual Signing Day, which shines a well‑earned spotlight on career and technical education students as they take steps into the workforce.
Congratulations to all who committed to new jobs, apprenticeships, internships, or military service! Your hard work and dedication to learning a skilled trade are opening doors to a successful future.
-Shane is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Hunter-Tannersville student and has signed with Titan.
-Isabella is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Margaretville student and has signed with Hubbell Construction.
-Austin is a Cosmetology/Charlotte Valley student and has signed with JCPenney Salon.
-Leland is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Charlotte Valley student and has signed with The Town of Davenport Highway.
-William is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Hunter-Tannersville student and has signed with Williams Lumber.
-Seth is a Welding/Gilboa student and signed with the Army.
-Jaiden is an Equipment Operation and Repair/South Kortright student and has signed with R & D Excavating.
-Connor is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Gilboa student and has signed with AMZ Construction.
-Jaiden is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Jefferson student and has signed with Eklund Farm Machinery.
-Hailey is a Culinary Arts/Stamford student and has signed with Chicken Run.
-Caiden is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Stamford student and has signed with Eklund Farm Machinery.
-Brandon is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Charlotte Valley student and has signed with The Town of Davenport Highway.
-Abigail is a Cosmetology/Hunter-Tannersville student and has signed with Lemon Tree in Catskill.
-Caleb is a Welding/Gilboa student and has signed with Townline.
-Chase is an Equipment Operation and Repair/Hunter-Tannersville student and has signed with Wiltse Construction.
Thank you to the businesses, military partners, and industry leaders who recognize and support the incredible value CTE students bring to the workforce!
Congratulations to Madison, an NCOC and Hunter-Tannersville student, who received a scholarship from the West Kill Community Center! The scholarship supports a dedicated junior enrolled in CTE programs at HTC and BOCES. Each year, a student is selected based on their application and a thoughtful essay about community. This scholarship is to help with supplies and equipment for their senior‑year CTE studies — investing in their growth, their craft, and their future.
Thank you to the West Kill Community Center for the generous scholarship and for supporting our CTE students!
Thank you to the West Kill Community Center for the generous scholarship and for supporting our CTE students!
Thank you to all the businesses, students, and community members who attended our career fairs last week at NCOC and OAOC!
Students from the New Visions Engineering Program spent time exploring The Raymond Corporation in Greene.
Their tour began on the manufacturing floor, where Mr. Moxley showed them how raw sheet metal becomes a fully assembled forklift. They were then shown Raymond’s office spaces by Mr. Warner and learned from Mr. Cygan about the company’s cutting‑edge use of 3D printing.
The final stop — the software lab — gave students a firsthand look at how Raymond tests new technologies, thanks to insights from Mr. Burlew, Mr. Ganesh, Mr. Moparthi, and Mr. Zaman.
After wrapping up with a discussion on Raymond’s products and customers, students left with a clearer picture of what engineering looks like in the real world.
Their tour began on the manufacturing floor, where Mr. Moxley showed them how raw sheet metal becomes a fully assembled forklift. They were then shown Raymond’s office spaces by Mr. Warner and learned from Mr. Cygan about the company’s cutting‑edge use of 3D printing.
The final stop — the software lab — gave students a firsthand look at how Raymond tests new technologies, thanks to insights from Mr. Burlew, Mr. Ganesh, Mr. Moparthi, and Mr. Zaman.
After wrapping up with a discussion on Raymond’s products and customers, students left with a clearer picture of what engineering looks like in the real world.
Four Mechatronics Seniors completed the Mike Rowe Work Ethic Certification. The Mechatronics Program has worked with the Mike Rowe Works Foundation over the past few years to bring this industry training to high schools. We were honored to work with them to create a high school-focused curriculum and to run a pilot program for them.
The program focuses on 12 parts of the S.W.E.A.T (Skill and Work Ethic Aren't Taboo) Pledge. The program focuses on building a work ethic through prioritizing what is most valued, focusing on the positive, working to make a difference, finding satisfaction, being grateful, and bringing your passion to work. The Mechatronics Program was framed to build knowledge, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and work ethic. Mike Rowe's program gave us the platform to present the work ethic part in a way that is enjoyable and enlightening.
The program focuses on 12 parts of the S.W.E.A.T (Skill and Work Ethic Aren't Taboo) Pledge. The program focuses on building a work ethic through prioritizing what is most valued, focusing on the positive, working to make a difference, finding satisfaction, being grateful, and bringing your passion to work. The Mechatronics Program was framed to build knowledge, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and work ethic. Mike Rowe's program gave us the platform to present the work ethic part in a way that is enjoyable and enlightening.
This year, NCOC had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Trout in the Classroom project through the Catskill Watershed Corporation. In January, we received our trout as tiny baby fish and began learning how to properly care for them. Throughout the year, students monitored water quality, observed trout growth and behavior, learned about stream ecosystems, and explored the importance of environmental conservation.
The project provided many hands-on learning experiences that helped students develop responsibility, teamwork, and scientific thinking skills. Students enjoyed feeding the trout, testing the water, recording observations, and watching the trout grow stronger over time.
Our Trout Release Day was a special celebration of all the hard work and learning that took place throughout the year. Students had the opportunity to release trout into their natural habitat, share their knowledge with others, and experience firsthand the importance of protecting wildlife and healthy waterways. The experience created lasting memories and helped inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation.
We would like to thank the Catskill Watershed Corporation for providing the Trout in the Classroom grant funding and the Catskill Mountain Fish and Game Club for their support and assistance with the trout release!
The project provided many hands-on learning experiences that helped students develop responsibility, teamwork, and scientific thinking skills. Students enjoyed feeding the trout, testing the water, recording observations, and watching the trout grow stronger over time.
Our Trout Release Day was a special celebration of all the hard work and learning that took place throughout the year. Students had the opportunity to release trout into their natural habitat, share their knowledge with others, and experience firsthand the importance of protecting wildlife and healthy waterways. The experience created lasting memories and helped inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation.
We would like to thank the Catskill Watershed Corporation for providing the Trout in the Classroom grant funding and the Catskill Mountain Fish and Game Club for their support and assistance with the trout release!
NCOC EOR student ,Bella, was presented with a Jump Start award from Udig NY. The award provides recognition and a monetary award to a BOCES, trade school, or high school student who has demonstrated a commitment to safety in the excavation or construction fields. To qualify, Bella had to complete Udig NY’s Certified Excavator in Safe Digging Best Practices (CEP) program, as well as write and submit a personal narrative essay regarding her future in the excavation industry.
Well done, Bella!
Pictured: Bella with instructors Craig Tucker and Nate Potter, as well as Udig NY representative Emily Mandresh.
Well done, Bella!
Pictured: Bella with instructors Craig Tucker and Nate Potter, as well as Udig NY representative Emily Mandresh.
Payton, a senior in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program at OAOC, fabricated this panther entirely out of 16-gauge mild steel. The project, which took nearly five months to complete, showcases Payton’s incredible craftsmanship, dedication, and attention to detail. Every piece was meticulously MIG-welded, resulting in a stunning work of art that highlights the skill and talent being developed in OAOC’s Welding and Metal Fabrication program.
Join us on Thursday, May 28th, at 9:15 for the Fourteenth Annual Engineering Symposium!
https://zoom.us/j/94667924872?pwd=xjZ7fVu1yDkygTBJMM3uDflUqFMDhC.1
The Class of 2026 will share their final projects, the culmination of five months' work. The students choose a topic of particular interest, research the current status of the subject, and then propose a solution to move the concept forward. The project includes components from engineering, the sciences, mathematics, social studies, and English; it requires them to submit a lengthy paper; to create a model to illustrate their idea; and then present their work in front of a diverse audience.