CiTi BOCES Celebrates Opening of Ignite Industry Partner Center
The Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation (CiTi BOCES) officially celebrated the opening of its newly renovated Ignite Industry Partner Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 5, bringing together community leaders, industry partners, educators, legislators and invited guests to recognize an investment in the future of education and workforce development.
Located at 179 County Route 64 in Mexico, the Ignite Industry Partner Center was created to strengthen the connection between education and industry while providing students, adult learners and regional employers with access to modern equipment, hands-on learning experiences and workforce training opportunities.
The facility will support learning and workforce development in several areas, including robotic automation, advanced manufacturing, CDL driving simulation training and automotive technician education. It will also provide opportunities for local businesses to utilize the space for employee training during evening hours, creating a shared resource that benefits both education and the regional workforce.
NYS Senator Mark Walczyk said, “One of the things I love the most about this county is how far it leans into the future and into the next generation. Igniting industry partnerships is exactly about that - investing in the next generation so that they will have opportunities right here in Central New York. I’m very excited about the future of Oswego County.”
The project was made possible through significant support from public and private partners, including the Huhtamaki Foundation, Empire State Development, Oswego County, the Oswego County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Novelis, Schneider, Universal and EJ.
Executive Director of Operation Oswego County Autin Wheelock, CEcD, said, “Supporting this facility was not just a financial commitment for us, it was an investment into Oswego County’s workforce and our people, which are our greatest asset, to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Seeing this vision come to life is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together toward a shared goal. We are not just opening a new facility, we are opening new opportunities and a brighter future for Oswego County.”
CiTi BOCES Board of Education President David Cordone emphasized the importance of connecting students with the tools, technology and experiences that today's employers are looking for, as well as the shared commitment from the community to prepare the next generation of skilled workers.
“It is an absolute honor to stand before you today in a space that truly represents the future of our county and region,” said Cordone. “This center is more than just a newly renovated building, it is a bridge between education and industry.”
The ribbon-cutting celebration also highlighted the many ways CiTi students contribute their talents and skills beyond the classroom. Students from the CoCo Cafe program prepared and served food for the event, while the P-TECH Jam Band provided live entertainment. Career and Technical Education (CTE) agricultural students created floral arrangements, and Public Safety & Justice students assisted with directing traffic and welcoming guests.
Their involvement offered a fitting example of the hands-on learning, career preparation and real-world experiences that are at the heart of CiTi BOCES programs.
The Ignite Industry Partner Center builds on CiTi BOCES' longstanding partnerships with regional employers and complements its existing Career and Technical Education and workforce development programs for high school students and adult learners.