Herkimer County Community College and BOCES Students Team Up for Real-World Tech Experience

On October 30, students from Herkimer College’s Computer and Network Security program joined forces with Herkimer BOCES students to complete a real-world network installation project. Working side by side under the guidance of Herkimer College instructor John Cook and BOCES technology teacher Shervin Evans, students spent the day wiring the new Network Administration classroom at BOCES, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of what it means to work in the IT field.

The project supports real-world learning by applying technical skills in a practical setting and fostering teamwork among emerging IT professionals. Participating students included those enrolled in the VP-TECH program, which allows them to earn college and high school credits simultaneously starting in ninth grade; high school juniors and seniors enrolled in the half-day Network Administration career and technical education program at BOCES, and Herkimer College students enrolled in the Computer and Network Security program.

Twelve students participated in the morning portion of the project. They listened attentively to Cook and quickly put his very detailed technical instructions into action. “In this program, they learn the fundamentals first,” Cook said proudly. “Now they all know and understand the terminology. This is the real deal!” The goal of the project is to create a network lab at BOCES that mirrors the one at Herkimer College, ensuring consistency and creating a seamless pathway between the high school and college learning experiences.

Evans, who joined Herkimer BOCES this year, brings years of industry experience managing technology companies. He also taught courses at Herkimer College, where he and Cook met. Now, the two instructors are working together to ensure a seamless transition from high school to college for aspiring tech professionals.

“I understand the dreams and goals they have because I’ve been there,” said Evans.

Students in the program come from 10 different component school districts, and yet they have this in common – a passion for computers.

Trey Stack, a senior from Dolgeville, shared, “I always loved technology and tinkering. I wanted to come here to learn and get a baseline for when I go to college, then I want to get right into the field.”

Shane Johnson of Dolgeville completed the CTE program before enrolling in the Computer Network and Security degree program. He said, “Coming back today is kind of nostalgic. It’s cool to see the changes and nice to see new people coming into the program.”

RaVonn Burks and Ross Richard of Herkimer and Kaden Kleist of Dolgeville are completing their final year in the VP-TECH program. Taking most of their classes on the HCCC campus, these high school seniors are enrolled in college-level courses like Linux, Network Administration, and Microcomputer Hardware. They are on pace to earn their associate degrees along with their high school diplomas this spring.

Burks plans to pursue a four-year degree and dreams of one day owning his own business. “There’s so much to learn from John Cook. He has an orientation to real-world applications.” Reflecting on his growth in the program, Burks added, “It was a little nerve-racking at first, but as time went on, I forgot the age difference. The experience was amazing.”

Richard plans to continue studying computer network technology or cybersecurity after graduation and hopes to join the Air Force. “It’s exciting I have a goal for my life,” he said, “but I am taking it one step at a time.”

Kleist said the program is giving him a strong foundation for his future studies. As he applies to SUNY Poly and other colleges for next year, he added, “This program helps you get used to college.”

The hands-on experience of building the lab is one of many exciting aspects of the partnership between Herkimer College and Herkimer BOCES. It not only demonstrates the power of collaboration, but it’s also helping to build a more cohesive and connected pathway for students to see where their interests can take them.