Ulster BOCES instructors have scheduled visits with Ulster County high schools to speak with sophomores about options for attending a career and technical education (CTE) program during their junior and senior years of high school. Boasting a 96 percent graduation rate and 36 articulation agreements with post secondary institutions, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school, a career and technical education can be a path for students both interested in going onto college or directly entering the workforce.

CTE instructors will be at the following schools:

• Onteora High School on Nov. 13. Pre-University/New Visions presentations will also be made that day.
• Saugerties High School on Nov. 27. Pre-University/New Visions presentations are not yet scheduled.
• New Paltz High School on Dec. 4 from 8 – 9:30 AM in the auditorium and the snow date is Dec. 5. A Pre-University/New Visions presentation is scheduled for Dec. 11 from 1 – 2:20 PM and the snow date is Dec. 12.
• Ellenville High School on Dec. 13. Pre-University/New Visions presentations will also be made that day. The snow date is Dec. 18.
• Rondout Valley High School on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8. Pre-University/New Visions presentations will also be made that day. The snow date is Jan. 9 from 7:48 AM – 1:38 PM.
• Wallkill High School on Jan. 15. Pre-University/New Visions presentations will also be made that day. The snow date is Jan. 17.
• Kingston High School dates will be announced at a later date.

Ulster County students have access to 27 hands-on, real-world programs in career areas ranging from culinary arts, healthcare, engineering, robotics, aviation, education, technology, and more. In addition to the two-year programs, juniors can also learn about a senior year experience available in a 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.     

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. 

“If we make learning relevant for our students, then they're going to engage in their learning in a deeper way, so that they're gaining the skills they need to be successful in college and in the world of work,” said CTE principal Amy Storenski.

Nationwide, CTE encompasses 94 percent of high school students and 13 million postsecondary students and includes high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, four-year universities and more. CTE is a major part of the solution to a myriad of national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, closing the skills gap, and increasing global competitiveness. At a time when the opportunity for employment is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring that students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.