The Program

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES Engineering Education CO-OP program establishes an alternative curriculum for high school juniors and seniors with aptitudes in math and science and an interest in pursuing a career in engineering, business administration and computers. The students alternate between one-week of school, and one 35 hour week of work as apprentices to engineers and industrial managers. The goal of this program is to develop work ethics and personal characteristics such as: maturity, dedication, and self discipline to prepare students for college co-op programs and successful careers in engineering and industrial management.

Program participants are in classes for two weeks per month, but carry a subject load covering one months’ work. The class periods for their academic subjects of math, science, history and English are doubled. Students have one period for gym and a foreign language class or CAD class. In place of their course electives, students spend the remaining two weeks of the month in local area firms. Students are treated as regular employees and given responsibilities and duties in a real work situation in which they do various engineering projects. Their learning experiences at their jobs are variable and ongoing.

Results

All students who have completed the program have gone on to college; 88% of students entered the engineering, computer or business career fields.

Learning Standards

Career development/occupational studies :3b) choose a career major and acquire career-specific technical knowledge/skills necessary to progress toward gainful employment, career advancement and success in post-secondary programs.

Contact

Art Polychronis
Orleans-Niagara BOCES
3181 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, NY 14132
716-731-4176
fax: 716-731-2261