Dutchess BOCES

Are you or someone you know looking to take steps toward a better future? We offer low-cost vocational classes for English Language Learners that include ESL support. Some of our fully credentialed course offerings include: Home Health Aide, Nursing Assistant, Construction with NCCER Core certification, Culinary with ServSafe Food Handler certification and Guest Services with AHLEI Guest Services Gold/STAR Restaurant Server certification.
We also offer English for Speakers of Other Languages and Adult Basic Education. Whatever your needs, we have the tools you need to help you reach your goals. Join a supportive community where success stories happen every day.
Want to learn more? Come to our Open House on Wednesday, June 24, from 6–8 p.m. at Dutchess BOCES Conference Center, 5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie, NY or call us at 845-483-3640. Learnhttps://www.dcboces.org/ALI_ESL-GED

Dutchess BOCES students are earning regional recognition for their accomplishments. On Wednesday, Connor Van Norstrand from CTI's Automotive Technology program received the Student Scholar Award from the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents at the 58th Carroll F. Johnson Scholastic Achievement Dinner at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac. Earlier in the month, Henry Cavanaugh, from CTI's Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program, received the Thomas Olivo Leadership Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education Administrators from Zone 4, which represents New York State. Congratulations to both of these students.

Congratulations to our 38 Career and Technical Institute seniors who are on their way to start a career or join a branch of the military. Students and their employers celebrated during a Signing Day ceremony at the school May 28. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. More at https://bit.ly/CTIsigning2026

Second-year students in CTI’s Cosmetology program spent 10 weeks coming up with proposals to open their own salons and shared digital presentations about them to the class earlier this spring. During the 10 weeks, students had to factor in operating and service costs, supplies they would need, the number of employees and environmental sustainability. Additionally, they researched the area they planned to set up shop in to determine what type of clients they would serve and who their competition would be.

Naomi Dongo, whose potential salon, Hae P***y, was named after her niece Hayden, encouraged future students to be creative with their proposals, keep organized and focus on the financial side of things. She planned to offer a loyalty program with a punch card where customers could get a free service valued at less than $60 after 10 punches.