December 2006 Ulster BOCES Creates Partnerships with Postsecondary Institutions
There was a time when a vocational education was once presented to high school students as an alternative avenue to college, but students enrolled in today’s Career & Technical education programs are often college-bound or anticipating entry into a high-tech profession that demands industry-specific training beyond high school. To assist students in their pursuits, the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center works closely with postsecondary educational institutions in establishing formal academic partnerships, known as “articulation agreements.”
“It gives our students a jumpstart on their college careers,” explains Howard Korn, director of the Career & Technical Center and Adult Career Education at Ulster BOCES in Port Ewen. “Students successfully completing the courses and programs are already on their way to a degree by the time they graduate from high school,” Korn says. “It saves them time and money.”
The Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center offers courses and programs that are accepted at more than 40 New York State and out-of-state colleges and universities through formal articulation agreements. The agreements provide students with the opportunity to learn advanced academic and technical skills in a wide range of programs including Auto Collision Technology, Automotive Technology, Aviation, CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design), Cisco, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Culinary Arts ProStart, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Construction, Graphic and Visual Arts, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning), Internet & Microsoft Applications, Manufacturing Technology, New Visions, Nursing Assistant, Practical Nursing, Small Engine Repair, and Welding and Metal Fabrication.
The college-approved courses help students gain advanced academic and technical skills while satisfying both high school and college requirements. High school seniors enrolled in Ulster BOCES programs also visit at least one college, complete a career portfolio, and participate in a school-to-work experience before graduating.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, growth projections through 2008 show that the number of new jobs requiring at least an associate’s degree will be much higher than the 14 percent average job growth rate anticipated for all occupations. Many of these new jobs will be open to people with technical skill certificates and other postsecondary education degrees.
“Research shows that an individual with technical training beyond high school, an associate’s degree from a community college, or a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is likely to earn considerably more money than someone with only a high school diploma,” Korn says. “It always pays off when students continue their education past high school. They earn higher salaries and have expanded career opportunities.”
Institutions participating in articulation agreements with Ulster BOCES include Alfred State-SUNY College of Technology, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Bryant & Stratton College, College of Aeronautics, Columbia-Greene Community College, CIA (Culinary Institute of America), Corning Community College, Dutchess Community College, Erie Community College, Helene Fuld College of Nursing, Herkimer County Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, Jefferson Community College, Paul Smith’s College, Schenectady County Community College, Sullivan County Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Morrisville, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Rockland Community College, SUNY Ulster, Universal Technical Institute, University of Northwestern Ohio, and Westchester Community College.
If you would like more information about Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center programs and courses that are approved by postsecondary schools, please contact Ulster BOCES guidance counselors at 845-331-6680.
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