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.”