Students from the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs proudly represented the North Country at the New York State BOCES Expo, held recently in Albany. The event brought together educators, administrators, and policymakers from across the state to celebrate hands-on-learning and innovation in education.
SLL BOCES students were selected to showcase the region’s exemplary Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, which connects classroom instruction with real-world experiences. The program emphasizes five key components:
- Internships that provide hands-on experience in professional settings
- Job Shadowing opportunities to explore career paths
- Industry-Based Projects that foster collaboration with local businesses
- Extended Classroom experiences beyond traditional learning environments
- Community Service that builds civic responsibility
Real-World Exposure Through Job Shadowing
Students shared examples of job shadowing experiences across various fields, including:
- New Visions: Medical Professions – Local hospitals, nursing homes, private offices, colleges, and veterinarians
- Cosmetology – Spas, salons, barbershops, retail beauty supply stores, makeup artists, and estheticians
- Criminal Justice – Police ride-alongs, court proceedings, loss prevention, drone services, college security, and 911 dispatch
Program Growth and Regional Impact
Serving approximately 1,300 juniors and seniors across 18 rural school districts in St. Lawrence County, SLL BOCES has seen remarkable growth in WBL participation. In 2018, only 11% of seniors had completed 54+ hours of WBL. By 2025, that number had risen to 99%, reflecting a deep commitment to preparing students for life after graduation.
Strong Industry Connections
SLL BOCES maintains robust partnerships with local businesses through:
- Advisory Board Meetings – Industry professionals help align curriculum with current workforce needs
- Gateways to Careers – Business partners tour tech centers, meet students, and explore collaboration opportunities
- Mock Interviews – Over 80 businesses participate annually, helping students build confidence and career readiness
These partnerships have directly led to the creation of two new programs and numerous unique opportunities for students.
Throughout the expo, students engaged in meaningful conversations with members of the New York State Board of Regents and other education leaders. They shared firsthand how work-based learning prepares them for success after graduation and strengthens partnerships between schools and local industries.
“This was an incredible opportunity for our students to demonstrate leadership and highlight the value of career-focused education in the North Country,” said Bianca Christian, SLL BOCES Work-Based Learning Coordinator. “To be able to reach the state level and showcase the quality of our programs and the dedication of our staff was truly meaningful.”
The event underscored the commitment of SLL BOCES to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to thrive in today’s workforce.