Two years ago, a bon bon changed Chriis Gaskin’s life.
She was on a tour of the Dutchess BOCES Career and Technical Institute with classmates. The then-Poughkeepsie High School sophomore was eager to explore the fashion program, but upon entering the classroom it didn’t feel right. Then, she visited the culinary program’s kitchen.
“They were making bon bons. I remember taking a bite and thinking, ‘I want to be here. This is where I want to be,’” Gaskin said. “I was so happy watching the seniors work in the kitchen. It made me realize this is what I wanted to do.”
Gaskin on Feb. 2 spoke to a room full of current Poughkeepsie sophomores as they began their own tour of the CTI program at BOCES’ Salt Point campus, and perhaps similarly became inspired.
Through CTI, Dutchess County students can engage in any of nearly 20 career training programs during their final two years of high school. The half-day programs not only include core graduation requirements but specialized training. For programs in the trades fields, many students graduate with certifications that would allow them to be qualified to hold a job immediately.
This year, roughly 75 Poughkeepsie students are enrolled in CTI programs, one of several ways in which the district has made career training and college readiness a focus.
Each year, BOCES opens its doors to member school districts to allow sophomores to learn more about the programs offered through hands-on tour days. The students during the morning visit three different programs to get a feel for what they may include. Current CTI students serve as tour guides and speak to their own experiences.
The tour on Monday, Feb. 2 included 66 Poughkeepsie students, more than twice the number from a year ago. It began with a group session in which BOCES program leaders explained the various aspects of the CTI program, which includes field trips, guest speakers and the work-based learning program, which features internships in a student’s senior year and employment after completing the program.
“We want to give a clear understanding of what BOCES is and that it’s a solid option for their future,” said CTI school counselor Kirstin Litwin. “It can really help them be prepared for the next phase of life.”
Gaskin told her schoolmates, “You learn a lot in each trade. I feel like it’s a good opportunity to figure out what you’re interested in and what you’re not interested in.”
The various programs’ approaches to the student visits differed. While some, such as the Graphic Arts and Design program, were more show-and-tell, students could get their hands dirty immediately in some of the trades classrooms. Sparks literally flew for several who visited the Construction program workshop and took a turn trying to use an angle grinder.
One of them, Luis Garcia-Turcios, said the trip “was amazing. I liked seeing all of the classes.”
The Culinary program’s kitchen each year is a popular destination, as students get to get the experience of making food in a professional-level kitchen. Sophia Sero relished the opportunity to make pierogi. Though she ultimately hopes to become a lawyer, she plans now to also seriously explore the culinary or fashion fields.
“I’m glad I went,” the sophomore said. “I’m really thinking about BOCES now.”
Gaskin helped guide the Pioneers in the kitchen. The senior said CTI’s Culinary program has helped set a career path in which she plans to study different cooking philosophies in Korea after attending Dutchess Community College, and perhaps open her own café. She said she enjoys the teamwork aspect of being in a kitchen and the various little things you can learn.
“I really liked getting to meet new people, new experiences, trying new foods – I recently learned there’s a way to mix oil and water and keep it together. That was something really interesting to me,” Gaskin said.
Another Poughkeepsie senior, Cianna Waiters, was among four nursing students who spoke about that program. The daughter of two nurses, Waiters said she has always had empathy and interest for helping “people who can’t do things for themselves.” Program participants earn certification as nursing assistants by the time they graduate.
Leadership before and after the tours made clear to students, the program is a privilege reserved for those who are focused and committed to completing their courses successfully, with a dependable attendance record. Interested students must apply for the program through their high school counselors, and there are limited spaces, making the process competitive.
Waiters plans to work as a certified nursing assistant after graduation and perhaps attend DCC concurrently. She emphasized to students the opportunity CTI presents.
“Take advantage,” she said. “Not everybody gets to get into BOCES. If you can get in, take advantage.”