Middle School Initiatives
Providing Opportunities for the Next Generation to Explore All That Is Possible in Career and Technical Education
Erie 1 BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) is committed to expanding the opportunities for all WNY students to experience high quality Career and Technical Education. Early access to career exploration, STEM programming and engagement in application-based learning opportunities are critical to this effort. As a result, the following learning experiences have been designed to support our local middle school students, families, and partnering districts.
G.R.I.T. - Girls Rising Interest in Technology
Erie 1 BOCES is proud to offer this STEM and industry-based field trip exclusively for Middle School girls. The day includes several stops at well-known Western New York STEM based industry partners where the girls will tour, interact and hear from female leadership, participate in hands-on activities and build an understanding of available career pathways. For Middle School Girls.
Middle School MODs (Cupcake Wars, etc.)
This unique collaborative experience builds a direct partnership between a middle school Family and Consumer Science, Health, Art or Technology teacher and an Erie 1 BOCES CTE Teacher. Teachers from both the component middle school and E1B will collaborate to enhance high-interest lessons with a CTE flare. Participating students will have direct access to an E1B CTE Center for a hands-on culminating activity that builds upon the interactive lessons. For Grade 8 Students.
Minecraft Madness
Minecraft Madness is an annual team competition hosted by the Web Technology and Game Programming Department. Teams of 8th grade students travel to an Erie 1 BOCES Career and Technical Center to compete against rival middle schools in the design and completion of an obstacle course they create. Students are tasked with building their best obstacle to stump their rivals and take home the trophy! Participation in this event includes a Minecraft.edu license for use in the classroom! For Grade 8 Students.
Summer at the Center
Campers spend a week at the Career and Technical Centers and participate in a series of four camps of their choosing. From Animal Science and Camp Culinary to the 7-Hour Movie Challenge, camps are designed to engage students in fun and interactive activities that make learning fun! About 50 percent of our campers eventually go on to attend a career and technical education program. For students entering grades 6 through 9.
Taste of Tech
Every January during Regents Week, the Harkness, Kenton and Potter Career and Technical Centers open their doors to local 8th graders for a 3-hour, interactive career exploration experience. More than 1, 500 students from 17 different schools attend the “Taste of Tech” event each year. For Grade 8 Students.