FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership development through Family Career and Consumer Sciences education. The Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center FCCLA chapter was started in 2004 by students in the Early Childhood Education program. Now a schoolwide program, this curriculum allows students to contribute to various community service projects while developing skills for life through character-building activities. Additionally, student members hone creative and critical thinking abilities, expand interpersonal communications and practical knowledge, and gain career readiness competence.

The mission of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is to honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence, and enhance career opportunities. The NTHS stresses the following personal values: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership. Membership in the NTHS is a distinct honor. Nomination into the NTHS will occur at the end of the second marking period with all students being eligible for membership. Past projects have included the development and maintenance of a Memorial Garden, fundraising for the American Cancer Society, and participation in local toy drives, Operation Clean Sweep, and the Relay for Life.

To qualify for membership, students must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstration of good character and leadership.
• Distinguished academic achievement with a 90% or higher academic average.
• Excellent attendance with no more than two unexcused absences.
• Teacher recommendation and approval of the Honor Society.
• Approval of the Honor Society Committee.

Ulster BOCES has partnered with the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) to participate in the highly respected HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) program. Through this partnership, students from various programs including Computer Design/Manufacturing, Pre-University/New Visions Robotics & Engineering, Fashion Design, Aviation, and Culinary Arts participate in hands-on, real-world, STEM-based learning projects. Additional Ulster BOCES programs may also partake in the curriculum in the future.

SkillsUSA is a student-run organization of secondary and post-secondary career and technical school students dedicated to preparing leaders for the world. Students develop their leadership skills through chapter meetings, community service activities, fund-raising events, and competitions at the local, state, and international levels. All secondary Career and Technical Center students are eligible to join SkillsUSA. Those students interested in joining SkillsUSA should see their trade instructor or inquire at the Career & Technical Center’s main office.

Goals of SkillsUSA include:

• Uniting students who are participating in trade, technical, and health occupation programs.
• Developing leadership skills.
• Fostering a deep respect for the dignity of work.
• Assisting students in establishing realistic career goals.
• Creating enthusiasm for learning.
• Promoting high standards in trade, ethics, workmanship, and scholarship.
• Understanding the interdependence and cooperation of labor and management.

The Solar Car Club promotes personal growth and leadership while building student knowledge of the sciences, trades, technology, and engineering. Students create, develop, and craft a solar car with the intention of racing in the annual Solar Car Challenge. Students will gain hands-on experience that will immerse them in the application of complex science and technology concepts, as well as collaboration and project management.