More than 100 educators from CiTi BOCES, OCM BOCES and Syracuse City School District recently came together for a collaborative professional learning experience aimed at reimagining classroom instruction and better preparing students for today’s rapidly evolving workforce.

The School-Industry Cooperative Series, hosted at Onondaga Community College (OCC), provided participants with the opportunity to tour specialized training facilities and explore programs designed to equip students with modern, in-demand skills. Educators engaged in conversations centered on how public K–12 systems can better support students in developing the knowledge and competencies necessary for success in an ever-changing career landscape.

This gathering marks the launch of a multi-phase professional learning initiative that brings together educators and industry partners across Central New York. The initiative focuses on identifying essential skills for high school graduates and embedding meaningful opportunities for students to practice those skills within K–12 classrooms throughout the region.

“This is an exciting step forward for our region,” organizers shared. “By collaborating across districts and with industry leaders, we are creating stronger, more relevant instructional practices that directly benefit our students.”

Participants also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among the three educational organizations, particularly as they align their work with emerging frameworks such as NY Inspires and the Portrait of a Graduate. These efforts aim to ensure all students graduate with the skills, knowledge and dispositions needed for future success.

A highlight of the event was an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Kim Burnett of Micron Technology. Dr. Burnett spoke about the transformative impact of education, noting that changing the trajectory of one individual can positively affect an entire family. She also played a pivotal role in shaping this initiative, having previously proposed an immersive learning experience that sent Central New York educators to Boise, Idaho, to visit Micron’s headquarters and gain firsthand insight into semiconductor manufacturing.

That experience ultimately sparked the creation of the School-Industry Cooperative Series, which continues to grow as a model for meaningful collaboration between education and industry.

As this initiative moves forward, partners remain committed to fostering innovation, strengthening instructional practices and ensuring that all students across Central New York are prepared to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.