​
We asked the question.
Our students, alumni,
and community
ANSWERED.

Victoria Zeppelin
 Director of CollegeNow

Tompkins Cortland Community College is a long-time partner, and friend, to TST BOCES. Through CollegeNow, students have the opportunity to earn college credit and explore postsecondary options related to their Career & Tech or New Visions program. TC3 works closely with TST BOCES to support programs in providing a rigorous, relevant curriculum and connecting students to the College through such things as campus visits, mock interviews, library resources, and presentations. Our partnership helps to ensure that Career & Tech and New Visions students get a head start in preparing for their future – building skills and knowledge that will help them in any college and career pathway they choose.

Ed LaVigne
Lansing Town Supervisor

“When I went to college to become a pharmacist, my attitude was that I was learning a marketable trade. As our population became older, the demands for pharmacists could not keep up with the demands for services and more institutions were created to meet the need. TST BOCES is another of those institutions that is providing education in the “trades”.  In my opinion, the skills that TST BOCES is teaching their students are essential for our communities to grow and become stronger. Just imagine if there were not enough plumbers, carpenters, welders, administration support staff or other various skilled workers that worked behind the scenes to provide needed services. The lack of trained workers would become brutally evident as services became sporadic.  Thank goodness TST BOCES is very active as they work endlessly to address these concerns!”

Frank Towner
CEO of Cortland and Tompkins YMCA

What started out to be an Art class off my home school campus became a life changing event that has propelled me though life as a successful leader. My BOCES Career and Tech Commercial Art course connected me with instructors and leadership training that I am thankful for even today 44 years later. Although I did not follow an art career path, the life lessons I received from direction by staff and administrators were life long skills. Confidence, goal setting, willingness to achieve, self-esteem and internal happiness, as well as spreading kindness and compassion towards others was instilled in me, and I continue to surround myself with people who value those same skills. 
It is okay to admit that college is not for everyone, but what really matters is finding  a career to be happy in life, which is far better than creating stress to make a living. 

Ryan Walczak
OwnerWalczak Excavating and Frozen Ocean Motorsports

Eric Eastman
Lansing Grad

Sophia Auerrell
Current Ithaca Student

As a former Career and Tech Teacher and now a business owner in the area, it is amazing to see all the former students in our community using the skills they learned at TST BOCES to make a living. I run into former students almost every day working for themselves or various businesses around town and they all seem very happy with their career choices. It is a great feeling to have a trade skill that you can utilize for the rest of your life.

“My time at TST BOCES helped to shape me into the person I am today, not only by steering me into the career path I’m currently pursuing but by instilling me with a passion to be the best and always striving to improve myself and my knowledge. My introduction into the Culinary Arts field by the incredible Mrs. Fitzgerald sparked the curiosity and the drive that pushed me to continue my education at the Culinary Institute of America. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my time at BOCES.  It has simply instilled within me a drive and a love for what I do and that nobody should settle for anything less.  The best way to achieve this and get a jump start on your dream is to enroll at a program at the Career and Tech Center.

"I chose the Digital Media program because it's such a great transition point from highschool to art/tech college. I really appreciate being able to touch on so many different topics on the same overall subject without having to spend thousands of dollars to do the same thing in college. It also helps build up quite a resume for when I do go to college."

Shane Warner
Shop Foreman at Stonewell Bodies & Machine, Inc.

Stonewell Bodies is a custom fabrication shop that ships our products around the world.  Stonewell currently has three full time employees that are former students of the welding program taught by Randy Jackson at the TST BOCES.  Randy works closely with his students to provide them the opportunity to learn "real world" experiences.

Darren Wojtanik
2018 Newfield Alumni

“I was in Mr. Jackson’s Welding class and Mr. Kinney’s Heavy Equipment class at the Career and Tech Center. Over the course of the 2 years, there was not a single moment that was boring nor did I think it was a waste of time. The knowledge I received from both teachers has helped me tremendously. I pursued my education in welding during my second year at BOCES, and I furthered it by attending Pennsylvania College of Technology. I use the knowledge I learned from both classes everyday, and I am beyond thankful that I decided to attend BOCES. I would recommend any program to anyone.”

Diamond Sill
​Current Newfield Student

As a sophomore at Newfield High School, I was stuck thinking about what I wanted to do for a career. My grandfather suggested welding because there are fewer females in this field, and he believed it was a good path for me. As soon as I visited the Welding program with the teacher, Mr. Jackson, I couldn’t wait to sign up!

Within the first five months of the Welding program, I learned gas welding, twist plates, bent plates, and puddling with filler metal. You will learn additional skills, not only skills on welds, but professional skills in life with meeting new people from other schools and forming a network with the extended community. Now that I have started my career plans, my goal is to become an underwater welder. TST BOCES and the Welding program with Mr. Jackson will help me get there.

Lara Dunn
Owner of The Gym in Ithaca

"The Exercise Science program explores career opportunities that have a positive impact on people's lives from working as a physical therapist with one on one training, working with recreation departments and specific groups, managing a facility, or becoming an owner of a club. Students in Exercise Science have a deeper understanding of how the body works and how to apply the proper processes that push the body to attain specific goals, build critical communication skills, and develop a lifelong love of fitness and health."

Lucia Sibley
​2020 LACS Alumni

The Sports Conditioning and Exercise Science inspired me to go to college for an Exercise Science degree. This class gave me a wide variety of information that has prepared me for my major. In my college courses, I've been able to use what I learned from this program, and it's helped me dive deeper into the subjects. This class really encompasses what it's like to be in exercise science, and it gives you a chance to apply what you've learned in the classroom, to the gym! I also received 3 college credits through TC3 and I can't recommend this class (and especially the teacher) enough!

Travis Chrisman
​Current Newfield Student

"If you love sports, this class is the place to learn everything from exercise program design and muscle energy systems to what careers connect with fitness. For me specifically, I'm practicing the skills needed to be the personal trainer I've dreamed of becoming!"

Jeanne Malone
​Program Director Ithaca Community Childcare Center

IC3 values the TST BOCES Early Childhood Program!  The students learn about child development, creating curriculum and classroom guidance techniques that they then apply in our classrooms.  Students gain hands-on experience engaging and interacting with children.  This program can be the beginning of a career for students!  It offers them the opportunity to work in the field of early childhood education and we are excited to be a part of it.

Aubrey Noce
2017 Alumni

“Going to the Career and Tech Center helped me get a lot of experience with working with children by having many internships at various locations. I was able to develop a full resume that many people do not have when they graduated from High School. I learned about how to be a good teacher and had so much fun while doing it. Mrs. Sutherland and Ms. Sharp are amazing teachers who I am so grateful to have learned from.”

Fatima Smith 
​Current Ithaca Student

I chose to attend the Early Childhood program because children have always been a big part of my life. I have always had an interest in learning more about children and their development. I like how we work with children and learn about what they like and where they are coming from. The skills I'm learning currently will help me in my future because I can help children better themselves and help them learn more about themselves. 

Dr. Chris Xaver
Program Chair of Communication & Media Arts at Tompkins Cortland CC

Despite what many think, learning media is not something you can honestly really do at home.  Yes, you can noodle around with the programs and teach yourself enough to do it but to really deeply know, you need a professional to take you deep into the programs and to help you understand why you want to push beyond using templates to take media production to professional levels.  Mike Blegen is so invested in learning himself and is so forward-thinking, his students are at the very top when they arrive to us as transfers.  He is an intelligent teacher with a broad and deep knowledge of the field.  His students are focused, motivated, and talented.  Plus, everyone LOVES this man.  I just appreciate it when we get one of his students so we can take credit for all of his fantastic work!

Brandon Emerick
Employed at U of Buffalo \  Lansing 2012 alumni​​

The Digital Media Technology program provides excellent opportunities for students to develop proficiencies across a multitude of mediums. The program allows students to gain experience utilizing traditional drawing methods as well as introducing them to digital programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. Students feel empowered to explore the mediums that they have a passion for; whether that is in their sketchbook, on the computer, or utilizing a camera. Students are able to call on these skills after they have completed the program and are moving on into the workforce or furthering their education.

Nora Hernandez
Current Newfield Student

Taking part in the Digital Media Program here at Career and Tech has definitely been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my education. So far, the program has taught me a great deal about graphic design and publishing, as we’ve worked extensively with relevant softwares like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator -- (with even more to come!) It’s all a very fun and hands on experience, with a great teacher and healthy work environment.

Liz & BJ Bliss
Owners of Red's Place

We are elated that we partnered with the TST BOCES Culinary Arts Program. Between the ease of the process and the quality of our intern, Aron. Aron came prepared and eager to learn each day. After his internship we were so impressed with his passion, work ethic and skills, we offered him a full time position. He has become a valuable asset to our team. We would be thrilled to partner with the TST BOCES Culinary Arts Program again in the future.

Terry Gawsee Paw
Ithaca HS 2020 grad

“I had a really great experience at CTE Culinary Arts. CTE Culinary Arts is a very fun class where I was able to experience hands-on learning. Once I learned that cooking was something that I really wanted to do, I decided to take the program. I am glad I did because if it weren’t for the class I would have had to catch up on knife skills, techniques, and food terms as well as conversions as I transitioned into Tompkins Cortland Community College’s  Culinary Arts program. The class is not just fun but has amazing teachers that you can really bond with and are there as a support, a guide, and a friend.”

Mattea Lajza
Current Student

Baking brings me joy! From the time I was really young, I was in the kitchen baking with my Grandma. Bringing happiness to others with a baked treat fills my heart. I chose to attend the Culinary Arts program because it’s the first step towards a career as a Pastry Chef. As a first year student in the program, I'm learning techniques and skills in many different areas. The teachers are fantastic! They are encouraging, knowledgeable and they have passion for their students and the program. I look forward to my second year in the Culinary Arts program as a Senior.

Lt. Kyle Koskinen
Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office

I would recommend the Criminal Justice Program at TST BOCES to anyone interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.  Anytime that you have the opportunity to explore a career field through hands-on experience is advantageous.  TST BOCES seeks input from current and retired professionals in the Law Enforcement field to make sure that their curriculum is up to date, which greatly benefits the students.

Carolyn Verret
Ithaca Student

The Criminal Justice program at TST BOCES is one of the best ways to prepare young adults (such as myself) for a potential career in law enforcement, or a related field. The course material is varied, covering topics ranging from landmark Supreme Court cases to proper handcuffing procedure, and then some. As for who is teaching such material, Mr. Berich and Mr. Donahue are two of the most knowledgeable instructors I have ever had, with their decades of experience giving them real world perspectives on all topics discussed in class. The students in the program are also unique, as I've found that the interpersonal relations amongst them are strengthened by the fact that everyone here has chosen to take part in the program, and therefore share the same passion for the material. Overall, choosing to participate in the Criminal Justice program has been one of the best choices of my life, and I recommend anyone who is interested to take advantage of such an excellent opportunity."

Ryan Putnam-Cole
Newfield Student

As a student of the TST B.O.C.E.S Criminal Justice program, I know this class will help me in the future when I go to college for criminal justice. This class has taught me a lot about law enforcement and will help me be ahead of others when I further my knowledge. This class has also helped me be a better public speaker, and opened my mind to different opinions. I would recommend this class for anyone who is interest in college, wants to be a first responder, or enlist in the military. Most importantly, you will get two very educated teachers that do an excellent job.

Tasha Snyder
Master Stylist at Transformations Hair Studio

I was a student at Groton HS with just above a C average, but when I started at the Career and Tech Center the teachers and staff gave me the confidence and skills not only to become a better student, but to thrive in life. I had perfect attendance for two years and went on to become the 2009 Career and Tech Center Student of the Year and was awarded Student of the Month at my Groton HS. The Cosmetology program allowed me to develop such strong connections that my teachers still have an active role in my life, along with a huge place in my heart. Today I am working at Transformations Hair Studio as a master stylist, color specialist and team leader. I will be forever grateful for my experience at BOCES, and I owe so much of my success to my teachers and the entire campus that helped me step out of my comfort zone and achieve my goals.

Jordan Rankin
2018 Groton Alumni

TST BOCES Career and Tech Center helped prepare me for my career by giving me all the tools and resources I needed! Thanks to them I was working in a salon before I even graduated high school! Their amazing staff are always willing to go above and beyond for each and every student! If you have a passion for any of their programs, I highly recommend chatting with your school and getting a tour set up! Best decision I’ve ever made was choosing to enroll at TST BOCES!

Aubrey Rose Cornell
Current Student

I have always enjoyed doing fun things with hair with my Auntie, so I decided to enroll in Cosmetology in 11th grade.  I have learned many technical skills through this class, and one of my favorite things to do is braid hair on my mannequin.  Coming to Career and Tech has allowed me to make new friends, and learn the skills needed to be successful in this field.  My teachers are very helpful and allow me to try new techniques - I love to color hair!  I intend to earn my 1000 hours by the end of the year so I can get my Cosmetology license. 

Cameron Chrisman
2013 CTE Student of the Year

I attended the Auto Body Repair program from 2011 through 2013 and am the 2013 Student of the Year. This was easily the best 2 years of school I have ever completed. I have always been the type of person that prefers hands-on learning rather than out of a book. If you can say the same for yourself, this is an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. You will learn everything from welding and fabrication to panel repair and placement and, of course, painting. Auto Body has always been a passion of mine - I consider everything that I repair a work of art. With this amazing program I got the chance to learn how to take something damaged and restore its beauty. You have many options after high school: employment, college, the possibilities are endless. The projects that I accomplished in Auto Body, including a 1977 Corvette and a 1974 Volkswagen Karman Ghia, gave me a feeling of accomplishment and the drive to want to do better! This wasn’t just another class, this was my future. The better I did, the more successful I would become. I have expanded my skill set to automotive technician, and boat and jet ski repair. The reason for my current success is because of the skills and confidence I gained in the Auto Body program!

Logan Wannall
Owner and Tech. of Epiq Auto

The technical skills and life lessons I learned during my time at the Career and Technical Education Center allowed me to follow my dreams and open a business of my own at 25 years of age. Enrollment in the program led to one of the most beneficial educational investments I could have made for myself. CTE gave me the foundation needed to succeed both as a student in the  collision and refinishing department at Alfred State College, as well as a technician at a local dealership. I continue to use the skills and fundamentals learned at CTE as I strive to grow my business to be the best in the industry. 

Lamar Johnson
2020 Trumansburg Alumni

I would recommend auto body to high school students because over the course of 2 years, I learned so much about the career. Not only did I learn to paint a car, but I learned to buff, fill dents, and more! Even if you don’t go into it as a career, auto body is a great skill to learn. Even if you use it for personal reasons or side jobs, or to put a little extra cash in your pocket, MOTOR VEHICLES will always need to be worked on! Aside from the skills you pick up, the teacher is hands down an all around great teacher who is ALWAYS more than willing to give you extra help when needed.  Mr. Lott also knows that the students have their own things going on outside of school, and he understands, and helps students through those kinds of things.

Lisa Bengeyfield
Owner of Clippity Do Dog

I believe the Animal Science program is great for students who have interest in Grooming or other job opportunities in the animal field. If this program was around when I was in schooI it would have helped me, not only with the hands on experience, but by introducing me to a career path at a much younger age than when I was exposed to it.  I have had a few students from this program work for me. They start with an advantage over other employees because of their prior experience and exposure to grooming and their familiarity working with animals.  

Tyler Ward
2016 Alumni

I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician and  I am now pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Colorado School of Public Health. The Animal Science program is amazing and really prepared me for my college career, and Mrs. LeFever is a great teacher. Mrs. LeFever prepares students by teaching them all about animal husbandry, animal agriculture, grooming, and entrance level Veterinary science! I remember being in 10th grade and almost decided not to start the program, but without it as my foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am now! Thank you TST BOCES Career and Tech Center! Thank you, Mrs. LeFever and Mrs. Hinman!

Lizzy Drake
2017 Alumni

“Choosing to go to Boces was the best educational choice I made as a high school student. Being able to be in a hands-on learning environment half of the day, I learned time management, team building, and animal science skills that I used throughout my college education and now as a licensed veterinary technician at my current jobs. 
The animal science program let me turn my passion for animals into an education and a career.”

Cayden Gardner
Current Newfield Student

I joined Cosmetology because I like to do hair, nails and makeup. I thought it would be a fun class to take and I would learn lots of new things, plus I also knew that Mrs. Perkins is an awesome teacher. The skills that I am learning now are going to help me in the future because I plan to have my own salon someday. 

Breanna Baker
Current Candor Student

I chose to attend Early Childhood because I have always wanted to become a teacher, and I just thought that this program would really help me. Early Childhood is very helpful when you want to learn certain information about children, whatever you want to know  - then you will end up learning it. Something that I like about being in this class is that you actually get to work hands on with the children.The skills that I am learning now will benefit me in the future because I will already know a lot of information about children, and that will be helpful for when I become a teacher.

Maxine Etchison
2016 LACSAlumni

“Before I took digital media I felt uninspired and lost in school. Mr. Blegen taught us everything from video editing to coding. While those skills are impressive, I left with much more. I found my voice, my confidence, and the drive to pursue my dream job in film/tv.  I am currently employed as a Supersuits Speciality Costumer on several shows, such as “The Boys” (Season 3) with Sony.”

Samantha Myers
​Current Lansing Student

Going to culinary for me was something that I had wanted to do for a long time, and I am so grateful that I was able to get a spot in the program because I have learned so much about the culinary world and about myself there.  If you want to go into the culinary field or if you want to learn how to cook, this is the best place to do it.  It’s not just a classroom where you can discover talents and develop a love and passion for culinary, but it also helps you build relationships and friendships that you wouldn’t expect. I can say that Mrs. Fitzgerald and Ms. Tracy will be with you every step of the way in their class, they will go above and beyond to make sure that you’re comfortable, and they will help you with just about anything that you need.  They are the best teachers that I’ve had through all of the years that I’ve been in school, and I’m so lucky to have them as my culinary teachers! I can’t thank them enough for everything that they have done for me. 

Michelle Blodgett
Family Services Director at Tompkins Community Action

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it has certainly shown us the inescapable truth, importance, and value of what staff in the Early Childhood field bring to the world. What children learn in the first five years of life is so important and impactful – it lays the foundation of all future learning. Shouldn’t this foundation come from trained, educated, compassionate and caring individuals who truly enjoy children? Who wants to love, nurture and be with children? This is where the BOCES Early Childhood program at the Career and Tech Center shines! In addition to learning from a top-notch teacher and mentor, students receive hands-on experiences in the community from fellow Early Childhood educators – invaluable experiences that shape their future, and quite possibly solidify their Early Childhood career path. As an employer in the Early Childhood field, TCAction places resumes indicating completion of the BOCES Early Childhood program near the top of the heap. We know students leaving the Early Childhood program have received a well-rounded education and experience and are ready to begin an ever-rewarding career in Early Childhood. For students pursuing a higher degree, the BOCES Early Childhood program gives them a Head Start.

Jazmine Hammond
Alumni

I remember like it was just yesterday, my first day in the Culinary Arts program at TST BOCES. Ten years ago, I decided to enroll in a program that changed my life. Throughout my two years in the program, I was able to learn hands-on fundamental culinary skills that I still use today. I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in culinary arts, but usually those aren't your typical high school courses. The teacher, Mrs. Fitzgerald, will welcome you in the kitchen with open arms, and then put a whisk right in your hand. From daily cooking assignments to planning recipes and writing a menu of your own, this curriculum will certainly make you feel like a chef at your own restaurant. Two years in the Culinary Arts program flew by in a blink of an eye, and I experienced some of the greatest memories from high school. This program has allowed me to excel academically. I attended Johnson and Wales University for Culinary Arts where I graduated with an Associate’s Degree. Over the years, I have had several jobs ranging from opening new restaurants to becoming a Sous Chef managing culinary teams, and even learning some pastry skills along the way. I worked as a Sous Chef for the Inns of Aurora for eight years due to an honorable mention from my Culinary teacher Mrs. Fitzgerald. With that being said, I can honestly say that this program changed my life! I encourage all young chefs to give this program a shot, you won't regret it!   

Madelyn Redfield
Current Groton Student

I chose to attend Early Childhood Education because I have always loved being around kids, and I've always seen myself in a job surrounding kids, whether that be daycare or teaching. I also had a good friend attend the program, and she spoke highly of the class and the teachers and told me that I would love it. Another reason I chose to attend this program is to open me up to a new environment and new people, and thankfully, I have made some great friendships with the kids in my class. The skills I have and will continue to learn in this class will most definitely benefit me in the future. If I don't end up going into a career with children, I will still  have this information with me when I start a family later in life. 

Katherine Rhoads
2006 Lansing Alumni

I chose the Early Childhood program because I always knew I wanted to work with children and eventually have my own kids someday. After high school I worked as a nanny while going to college for Early Childhood. The Career and Tech program gave me lots of experience working in different settings as well as many skills relating to lesson planning and communicating with parents. I currently work at TST BOCES and many of the skills I learned during my time in the CTE program have helped me in my professional life such as reframing, having difficult conversations, and most importantly making every task as fun as possible. The CTE program helped me dive into my interest area and gave me real life experience that I wouldn’t have had until later on in my college career. I enjoyed my time there and still recommend the CTE program to youth I work with now. 

Cynthia Newton
​2017 Alumni

The Nurse Assisting and Health Occupations Program changed my life. I always wanted to go into nursing, or something related to the healthcare field, and this class was my first step in achieving that goal. I learned so many skills, and not just the kind I needed to learn to care for others, but life skills, too. I was a very shy person before coming into the program, and I saw my personality thrive and grow into a
mature young adult.  At first, I was very scared of working with elderly patients because it forced me out of my comfort zone.  After a while, I enjoyed visiting the residents at the nursing home, and I loved listening to their life adventures and seeing their faces brighten when we helped them. This class taught me more than technical skills.  I learned the importance of communication and teamwork, and I want to thank my teachers for helping me strengthen these skills.  Today I would not have the job I love or be going to school to become a health care
manager if it wasn’t for them always pushing me and my classmates. Due to the certifications I earned, this class helped me get a
good job right after graduation and I have been working ever since. I know I made the right decision to attend Career and Tech.

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