Ulster BOCES means different things to different people. For Karina Rendon, a Highland Central School District graduate who attended the Ulster BOCES Culinary Arts program as a junior and senior, Ulster BOCES was the base ingredient in her recipe for a successful career as a pastry chef in the esteemed kitchen of one of the leading hotels in the world, the Fifth Avenue Hotel in Manhattan.

Earlier this summer, 2024 Saugerties High School graduate Eric Weisman achieved a remarkable milestone by earning his pilot's license at just 18 years old, a feat made possible through his high school coursework at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center.

This summer, the theme for CITL at Port Ewen’s Extended School Year Program was "Time Travelers." Each week, students embarked on a journey to a different era, immersing themselves in the culture, history, and exciting adventures of various time periods.

Ulster BOCES has announced the appointment of veteran educator and school leader Ed Forgit as its new assistant superintendent for operations. The Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment during its meeting on June 26. 

Ulster BOCES-trained young professionals Levi Peterson and Tyler Bradley spent much of their senior year of high school as paid electrical construction interns with National Resources, a real estate and investment firm that is currently renovating the former IBM site in Kingston to become the future home of the Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Academies at iPark 87. 

The Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Cosmetology program is thrilled to announce the addition of a 300 hour Natural Hair Styling class for NYS licensure beginning October 8, taught by a highly experienced and celebrated stylist, Johnah Incardona. With more than 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, Incardona brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom.

Cosmo McIntosh, a recent graduate of the Saugerties Central School District who
completed the Ulster BOCES Small Engine Mechanics Repair program, earned third place in the Motorcycle Technician category at the SkillsUSA national competition. The event, which was held from June 24-28, took place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. 

Ulster BOCES Auto Collision Technology program students–or “young professionals” as they are referred to around the school building as a nod to their growing skills–gave a new look to some old faces–table faces, that is. 

The project aims to refresh old, beat-up wooden classroom work tables by sanding them down, varnishing them, and adding a bit of school spirit by incorporating the Ulster BOCES logo. The revamped tables, six which have been completed so far, have been returned to their original classrooms where they will be ready for everyone to admire when they return from the summer vacation. Twenty additional tables are slated to be refinished in the upcoming school year. 

Families with children on the autism spectrum or individuals with sensory sensitivities often find the bustling environment of the Ulster County Fair overwhelming. In response, Ulster BOCES, in collaboration with the Resource Center for Accessible Living (RCAL) and the Ulster County Agricultural Society (UCAS), is pleased to announce the return of the Sensory Safe Space at the Ulster County Fair for its second year. The fair will take place from Tuesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 4, 2024, and the sensory-friendly environment will be available throughout.

Ulster BOCES means different things to different people. For Ashley Thacker, Ulster BOCES is not only the place she learned about cybersecurity and information technologies, but was also the first step in her post-college career.

Ulster BOCES Transitional Occupation Program (TOP A) students–or “young professionals” as they are referred to around the school building–have been catering to the Ulster BOCES school community and beyond, using skills they have developed through practice, professional learning, implementation, and assessment. 

The Ulster BOCES TOP A program is geared towards young people in Grades 9-12 who may struggle with academics and motivation, but who possess the ability to comply with directions effectively enough to build pro-technical and employability skills. The program is designed to maximize the time the young professionals spend performing hands-on work in jobs, trade areas, and field locations, leading to more advanced technical program participation or an effective transition from school to work. 

The Ulster BOCES Fashion Design & Merchandising (FDM) program hosted its seventh annual Fashion Exhibition in June. In addition to an exciting fashion show, the event featured informative interactive displays, an inspirational photo exhibit, a dramatic “Lookbook” cover reveal, and even an array of delicious treats expertly catered by the Ulster BOCES Culinary Arts program. 

Over the past school year, Ulster BOCES has placed more young professionals in internships than ever before. On June 12, both young professionals and business partners were recognized at an event held in the Mohonk Mountain House Pavilion. This celebration marks the culmination of dedication, growth, and achievement for Ulster BOCES interns and the deep commitment and support the business partners have provided them. 

Recognition of and appreciation for the value of career and technical education as an engine for economic and workforce development was on full display on June 20 during the groundbreaking event for the future Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Academies at iPark 87. United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, New York State Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty A. Rosa, U.S. Congressman Pat Ryan, and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger joined Ulster BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jonah Schenker and a group of students who attend the Career & Technical Center (known as young professionals) to discuss the programs and opportunities available to them.

Ten young professionals from the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center came home with medals from the New York State SkillsUSA competition held at the Syracuse Fairgrounds in late April. The Ulster County competitors faced off against thousands of students from over 60 high schools throughout the state, competing in technical, trade, and leadership events. The young professionals also networked with their peers, as well as business and industry professionals. 

The Ulster BOCES Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) marked a significant milestone on May 30, staging a Completion Celebration for 10 young scholars who had successfully completed six years of rigorous academic and professional training at HVPA and SUNY Ulster. The event was hosted by one of HVPA’s industry partners, the Highland-based Selux Corporation.

Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center just launched a brand-new EKG Technician course coming this summer. Starting on July 8, 2024, this comprehensive 50-hour program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for entry-level employment in the healthcare industry as EKG technicians.

Students from the Ulster BOCES Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) at Port Ewen will be participating in a series of educational activities as part of a collaboration with the Witness Stones Project and Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz.

During a breakfast presentation on May 17, held at the Season’s onsite restaurant at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center, 36 young professionals from the Class of ‘24 received more than $19,000 in scholarships.

When Averyanna Thomas attended an information session about the Hudson Valley Pathways Academy (HVPA) at Ulster BOCES with her Grade 8 Kingston City School District class, she immediately knew that it would be a good fit for her. Thomas is now a Chapter 4 (4th year) young scholar at HVPA and is happy with her decision.