Career & Technical Education

9603 │3.75 credits │Harkness (periods 1-3 or 7-9) or Potter (periods 7-9)

Career Exploration gives students a chance to “test drive” the Career and Technical Education programs of their choosing. Students will experience a variety of course offerings with the purpose of helping them make decisions concerning their future educational program. Students follow a set of objectives and complete projects designed for them within the various career and technical education classrooms. Students may explore up to eight different occupational programs for five weeks each. At the end of each module, the teacher evaluates basic skills, career awareness, adherence to safety regulations, degree of interest and aptitude. Based on evaluations, home school counselors place students in appropriate career and technical education courses for their juniors and senior years.

9384/9385 │Grades 11 & 12 │3.75 credits/yr. │Harkness

The expanding pet industry offers a variety of career opportunities for animal loving students. This science-based, two-year program teaches basic and advanced skills in areas such as nutrition, health and disease, animal handling and restraint, grooming, pet first aid, and medical terminology. This program provides both classroom instruction and hands-on learning with labs and a clinic. Upon completion of this program, students can go on to entry-level employment or pursue further education in the fields of veterinary science, biology, business management, pet grooming, and much more.

9262/9264 │Grades 11 & 12 │3.75 credits/yr.│Harkness

Students in Auto Technician Training will develop skills in the function, diagnosis, maintenance and repair of all systems of the automobile. They will use a variety of hand, power, and diagnostic tools and equipment. The opportunity to perform actual repairs on vehicles is provided. This program is certified through the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF). It provides an excellent foundation for students looking to enter an automotive college program or the entry-level workforce. Students are trained on the latest technical equipment by instructors that are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to sit for the ASE student certification in Auto Maintenance and Light Repair. 

9315 / 9316 │Grade 11 & 12 │3.75 credits/yr. | Harkness

Requirement: Must be 16 years old at the start of the school year and have earned 2 credits of Regents level math and 2 credits of science upon entering the program.

This course will expose students to the world of aviation. Students will develop the skills, attitudes, and flight background required by the aviation industry. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, pilot training, airport security, screening procedures, and ground control will be covered in this exciting program. Erie 1 BOCES has partnered with Prior Aviation to provide students with simulated flight training and up to eight hours of actual flight time.

9317/9318 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

Baking and Pastry Arts offers students an opportunity to understand what goes into creating beautiful finished pastries, breads, and cakes.  Students will not only produce these baked goods in both large and small quantities but also understand the science behind them. Baking students have an opportunity to create beautiful showpieces, plated desserts, chocolates, and individual pastries.  Students will have a chance to gain on-the-job experience during their internship program.  Students in this program will gain the experience necessary to enter the baking and pastry industry at the entry level or get a jump start on their college career.

9563 / 9564 │ Grade 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

Students will learn the art of barbering through experienced instructors who will share the latest industry trends. Students will gain the essentials of complete hair and skin services such as steam facials, facial massage, and foam shaves, as well as modern styling, hair cutting, coloring, and blow drying. Barbering is an art form that requires the skill and an understanding of the principles behind each cut.  Barbering students will practice their art in a live, barber shop setting with clients from the community. As many graduates go on to open their own barbershops, students will also learn about shop ownership and business management.  Erie 1 BOCES assists students in preparing for the practical exam in order to obtain a NYS Master Barbering License.

9354/9355 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

This program offers instruction in carpentry and associated trade areas. The students will participate in construction modules of introduction to carpentry, foundation and floor framing, wall framing, ceiling and roof framing, interior/exterior finish, cabinet making and remodeling with an introduction to masonry, plumbing and electrical systems.  Exposure to basic theory, work skills, tools and equipment, materials and career opportunities in these various fields is provided.  Practical experience through a variety of in shop projects plus internships opportunities with regional contractors and businesses are provided to all students.

9265/9266 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. | Harkness              

The first 10 weeks of this program will consist of a core introduction to the automotive industry. Students will then specialize in Auto Collision Repair for the remainder of their two-year program. This program will cover the total process of restoring auto bodies including metal straightening, glass and panel replacement, fiberglass repair, and all paint preparation and finishing techniques.  Students will also perform repairs on donated vehicles and participate in an internship at a local automotive collision repair facility.

9360/9361 │ Grades 11&12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

This program begins to prepare students for subsequent employment in the salon industry.  Licensing is dependent on the completion of additional optional instruction. Instruction will include all the basic skills of beauty services and current trends in the profession. Local salon owners regularly visit classrooms to share the latest trends in cutting, coloring, and styling.   A clinic experience in which outside customers participate in the school beauty salon allows students to practice hairdressing and customer relations skills.  An internship will be required during the second year of the program.  Upon graduation, Erie I BOCES will assist students in completing the 1000 instructional hours required to obtain a cosmetology license in NYS.

9534/9536 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

This exciting course teaches students about the various careers in the field of criminal justice. Students will explore the major areas of the system including law enforcement, courts, corrections, investigations/ forensics, homeland and private security. Practical skills training includes handcuffing, searching (persons & cars), auto stops, field sobriety tests, radio communications, crime scene investigations, fingerprinting, foot impressions, composite sketching, jail cell search, and so much more. This program is an excellent choice in preparation for military service, law enforcement and security, corrections or college. Local, state and federal agencies participate in this program as guest speakers, field trip hosts, and internship sponsors.

9451/9452 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. | Harkness                 

The major emphasis in this program is on quality of preparation and presentation in both small and large quantity cooking. Both theory and hands-on experience are included in such areas as: menu planning, methods of cookery, table service, food control, sanitation, and food costing. Advanced instruction includes basic managerial and supervisory techniques. Frequent catering for school activities and internships provides on-the-job experience. Thus students develop the necessary preparation, service, managerial and human relations skills for the food service industry.

9246 / 9247│ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

Cybersecurity and Networking will examine cybercrime and consider its impact on law enforcement, national security, the corporate world and society.  Students will enter the world of designing, building and maintaining networks capable of supporting and protecting national and global organizations in every industry.  Students will gain skills needed to design and implement internet connectivity, Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs). The program is adapted to suit individual need and features hands-on, project-based training in high-demand job skills. 

9376/9377 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

Dental Laboratory Technology is a complex combination of science, art, and skilled craftsmanship employed in the fabrication of dental restorations used to restore and replace natural dentition. Dental Lab Technicians are responsible for filling the dentists’ prescriptions in the same way a pharmacists fill prescriptions for doctors. During the two years of study, students will have a complete comprehension of basic techniques, materials, anatomy and terminology involved in the daily routine of the dental laboratory. Students are introduced to the techniques and materials used to fabricate dental appliances from the dentist’s specifications on the laboratory prescription. Students will study and create dental restorations and appliances from five specialties of dental laboratory: Complete Dentures, Partial Frameworks, Crown and Bridge, Ceramics, and Orthodontics.

9350/9351 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

This program provides an in-depth study of Early Childhood Care & Education, (birth-9 years), including related managerial skills, curriculum writing, developmental theory, and application.  Students will observe, participate in, and develop a variety of activities for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. Competence in beginning job skills will be stressed and practiced in a variety of hands-on situations both on and off-site. Students will be ready to enter the job market as teacher aides or may apply for colleges. Students will create a professional portfolio, work in an on-site preschool and research a variety of early childhood topics.

9394/9395 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

This course deals with the application of electrical technologies in all phases of the Electrical Industry. It prepares students for the planning, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of wiring systems in residential and light industrial settings according to the standards of the National Electrical Code. Instruction in principles of electricity, reading of blueprints and wiring diagrams, and proper use of tools and equipment are provided. Basic principles of solid-state electronics are included to enable students to install, repair, and replace operational systems.

9244 / 9245 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness    

Students in the Electronics & Computer Technology program will develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in a wide range of fields including consumer (personal computers, video gaming, radio and television), mobile (car audio & video, navigation, security), medical (biomedical, clinical), Industrial (manufacturing) and telecommunications (cellular, telephony, data). Students are immersed in a comprehensive technical and hands-on training environment where they learn about electronics by constructing real-world projects including personal computers, amplifiers, speakers, digital clocks, computer networks and robots. They also learn to use multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic probes and other test equipment to troubleshoot and repair electronic devices. In addition to electronics and computer skills, other “in demand” skills including the development of a good work ethic, time management, punctuality, interpersonal and communication skills are stressed.

9940 / 9941 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │Harkness

Through hands-on learning projects and skill-based competitions, Engineering and Robotics students are prepared for industry careers or post-secondary education by utilizing state-of-the-art computers, software, modeling, prototyping and robotic building components, and robotic development systems. Students will explore many areas of robotic manufacturing and engineering design technologies in order to help them make sound, career-oriented decisions. This program offers students insight into how things work and the opportunity to build real mechanisms and components formulated from their own ideas to fulfill a need or complete a concept. Our participation in First Robotics, a pumpkin throwing contest, VEX robotic competitions, and other technical-oriented endeavors bring together class work, your ideas, your concepts, and visions to offer real-world solutions to everyday problems.

9990 / 9991 | Grades 11 & 12 | 3.75 credits/yr. | Calspan

Students will explore the growing world of Esports and learn the business components of this booming industry. Topics of study include: computer literacy, game industry fundamentals, narrative design, principles and elements of design, game audio components, broadcasting and streaming, logo and brand design, game theory and strategy, and marketing strategies.

9410/9411 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Potter

Do you want to change people’s lives and make them feel good about themselves? Sports Science Careers gives you the flexibility to choose the hours that suit your lifestyle. The fitness and wellness industry is one of the fastest growing in the country. If you are outgoing and active, this is a rewarding career choice. Internships will expand your occupational knowledge and help you explore your field of study. Get real-world experience working with allied healthcare continuum professionals. Students are taught by Certified Personal Trainers.

9565/9566 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

This two-year program focuses on the world of fashion!  Students will study the fashion industry, discovering the steps necessary for a design to turn into a garment for sale at a retail store.  Students will use state-of-the-art computer software, sewing machines, and sergers to create their own designs.  The curriculum includes units of study in fabric, color, design, sewing, computer applications, and retail management.  Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator will be used to enhance fashion photos and create design drawings.  This program will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to gain entry-level employment or further their education in the design, manufacturing, and merchandising of garments and accessories.

9609 / 9610 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

This program is designed with a two-fold approach to aid students at the 11th-grade level in deepening their awareness of healthcare careers.  The course begins by addressing personal, family, community, and environmental health.  Through this approach, the student can evidence the importance of health and wellness promotion as an integral element of any health-related career.  Health Careers gives the student an opportunity to examine individual health lifestyles in order to aid in making an informed decision of career choice in health-related services.  The program emerges from guiding students in making healthy life choices to introducing students to various health career choices.  This core curriculum provides basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes common to present and emerging health careers. 

9420/9421 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Harkness

Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of residential and light commercial plumbing, heating and air conditioning installation, service, and repair.  Students will interpret blueprints, drawings, and schematics to be able to assemble, prepare, and install piping and HVAC equipment for a variety of residential and light commercial applications.  Students will receive training on the latest trade-related green and solar technologies.  Careers in the heating and air conditioning installation industry are growing rapidly each year.

9422 / 9423 | Grades 11 & 12 | 3.75 credits/yr | Harkness

Students will learn how to cut and install various types of materials that are used within the field. Topics of study include: plumbing and professional safety, blue print reading, fixture assembly, codes, pressure, temperature and water heaters, and water supply systems, amins, and wells.

9330 | Grades 11 & 12 | 3.75 credits | Calspan

Students will learn the variety of social media platforms available to businesses, learn how to build a company’s brand, increase sales in e-commerce spaces, and drive website traffic. Students will explore ways to engage exisiting customers, reach new ones, and analyze analytics and demographic information that allow marketers to track the success of their efforts and identify more ways to engage.

9311/9312 │ Grade 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Calspan

The Television and Sound Production program is a two-year hands-on course. The program includes a student-run record label and video production house where students will acquire video and audio production skills while producing commercial music releases and videos for the community. Students will be able to combine artistic and/or musical talent with technical knowledge to produce original broadcast-quality video and audio products. Through independent and group activities, students gradually build the skills necessary to work in a variety of communications-based industries and to pursue a post-secondary degree in video or audio production. Students enrolled in Television and Sound Production also have the opportunity to become certified in AVID Pro Tools Software as a User and Operator.

9313/9314│ Grades 11 & 12 │3.75 credits/yr.│Calspan

Digital Media is a two-year course designed to prepare students for entry into the professional world of media production for digital distribution. The main focus of this class is learning how to use software and hardware in the computer lab and studios to create graphics, animation, audio, and video. Throughout the course, students will be able to publish their work on the Web and participate in large-scale production projects that encompass the entire digital media needs of a company or client. Seniors will also participate in a three-week internship in the digital media industry, gaining valuable experience while connecting with industry professionals. All students will leave the course with a personal portfolio Web site of work they have done throughout the two-year course. Students will be able to publish their portfolio online for use in gaining employment or entry into a college program.

9610 / 9611 │ Grades 11& 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Calspan

Students will learn basic to advanced programming languages to coincide with Web development.  The variety of languages learned and the concentration on scripting will benefit and engage both the novice and more advanced learner. Students will learn how to design and create games for Windows as part of the course.

9430/9431 │ Grades 11 & 12 │ 3.75 credits/yr. │ Potter

Welding holds much of our world together, from buildings and bridges to airplanes and equipment. Take a drawing or blueprint and breathe life into it by fabricating a life-size creation. Know you have a future with many different job skills that will drive you down the road of success toward manufacturing, fieldwork, or owning your own company. Skilled Welders Needed! There is a large shortage of welders in the United States with great opportunities for employment.

9211 │ Grade 12 │ 4 credits

Each New Visions program runs daily for approximately 6 periods and students are responsible for their own transportation to the program sites. Each program includes English IV and Social Studies 12 curriculum.  Participation in these programs is determined via an application and interview process.  Applications are due March 1 of the junior year.  See your counselor for a packet.

The Connections: Health Related Careers Program gives honors-level high school seniors the opportunity to observe careers in many allied health areas through a mentor relationship with a practicing professional. This 4 credit program includes “Anatomy, Physiology and Disease,” “Health Core/Internship”, “English 12” and “Social Studies: Participation in Government & Economics”. Each of these 1 credit courses is integrated into the curriculum. Students spend approximately four hours each day at a designated hospital site taking coursework and observing all aspects of health careers. Taught at the Buffalo General Medical Campus, Millard Fillmore Suburban & Veteran's Administration Hospitals.

9212 │ Grade 12 │ 4 credits

Students will work on trucks and diesel engines and engage with professionals at the Conway Beam Truck Group site. Topics of study include: engine repair, lamps, accessories and wiring, welding, bearings and seals, engine removal, disassembly and installation, circuit fundamentals, wheel alignment, principles of hydraulics, and the parts and tools needed to build an engine.

9213 │ Grade 12 │ 4 credits

One year program offered in partnership with Buffalo State College.

Each New Visions program runs daily for approximately 6 periods and students are responsible for their own transportation to the program sites. Each program includes English IV and Social Studies 12 curriculum. Participation in these programs is determined via an application and interview process.  Applications are due March 1 of the junior year. See your counselor for a packet.

Students learn the fundamentals of education through both theory-based and experiential learning. The program functions to show educator candidates everything that education has to offer, and ultimately allows students to select and consider the areas they find most relevant and appealing. Topics of study include: classroom and behavior management, child and adolescent development, lesson planning and execution, data-driven instruction and assessment, social emotional learning and best teacher practices, and working with students with disabilities.

9214 │ Grade 12 │ 4 credits

One year program offered in partnership with PCB Piezotronics.

Each New Visions program runs daily for approximately 6 periods and students are responsible for their own transportation to the program sites. Each program includes English IV and Social Studies 12 curriculum. Participation in these programs is determined via an application and interview process.  Applications are due March 1 of the junior year. See your counselor for a packet.

Students learn the fundamentals of engineering and manufacturing through theory-based and experiential learning rotations throughout the company. Students will learn fundamental engineering methodology and problem-solving skills, develop a network of professional connections through field experiences, and more. Topics of study include casting, molding, mechanical fastening, working with statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials, working with vector properties and operations, and conductors, insulators, and semi-conductors.

9215 │ Grade 12 │ 4 credits

Offered in conjunction with the University at Buffalo and Canisius College.

Each New Visions program runs daily for approximately 6 periods and students are responsible for their own transportation to the program sites. Each program includes English IV and Social Studies 12 curriculum.   Participation in these programs is determined via an application and interview process.  Applications are due March 1 of the junior year.  See your counselor for a packet.

The New Visions Legal Academy allows highly motivated, academically strong, college-bound seniors the opportunity to work on-site with law-related professionals while earning 4 hours of high school credit in government, economics, criminal justice and internship field experience. For 20 out of 40 weeks, students work on-site with law-related career professionals from the courts, law enforcement, and legal support services. While in class, students work independently and cooperatively on projects grounded in Common Core Learning Standards on topics ranging from community service to free enterprise. Additional projects include the development of a public policy action plan, a career portfolio, and a written resume.

9216 │ Grade 12 │ 4 credits

One year program offered in partnership with the Botanical Gardens.

Each New Visions program runs daily for approximately 6 periods and students are responsible for their own transportation to the program sites. Each program includes English IV and Social Studies 12 curriculum. Participation in these programs is determined via an application and interview process.  Applications are due March 1 of the junior year. See your counselor for a packet.

Our Plant Science program is a one-year, senior level program that incorporates contemporary knowledge, skills and practices found in the horticulture, floral and landscaping industries. Students will learn greenhouse management, plant and soil science, and landscape design. Topics of study include: the foundations of horticulture, plant cells and tissues, roots and soils, greenhouse management, watering and hydroponics, and native and invasive species. Students will engage in propagation techniques, integrated pest management (IPM), plant identification, and complete a variety of seasonal projects while on the grounds of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

9217│ Grade 12 │ 4 credits

Each New Visions program runs daily for approximately 6 periods and students are responsible for their own transportation to the program sites. Each program includes English IV and Social Studies 12 curriculum. Participation in these programs is determined via an application and interview process.  Applications are due March 1 of the junior year. See your counselor for a packet.

The Zoo Wildlife and Conservation Careers program allows highly motivated, college-bound seniors the opportunity to explore a career in the many areas related to wildlife conservation and zoo management. Students will have the unique opportunity to study and shadow at the 23-acre Buffalo Zoo. This exciting program includes study in Conservation, Wildlife Research, Animal Care, Veterinary Care, and Exhibit Design. Students will also gain experience in Conservation Education and Zoo Marketing and Development as well as Horticulture and Grounds and Life Systems Maintenance. Each semester will culminate with a project in which the students research and design their own animal exhibit with input from the Buffalo Zoo’s animal experts.