CiTi BOCES Expands Distance Learning with 2024 USDA Grant
The Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation (CiTi), also known as Oswego County BOCES, has received a USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) grant to provide interactive videoconferencing equipment for local school districts and community colleges.
This RUS grant for distance learning will enhance educational opportunities by equipping districts and community colleges with state-of-the-art distance learning labs. CiTi has long been a leader in distance learning in Oswego County, New York, having upgraded its network with support from the 2013 and 2019 RUS grants. This network connects regional students to Cayuga and Onondaga Community Colleges, enabling them to participate in New York State Early College opportunities while still in high school.
The 2024 RUS grant will significantly expand CiTi’s distance learning network. A second mobile distance learning lab will be added to participating districts, including Altmar-Parish-Williamstown CSD, Cato-Meridian CSD, CiTi BOCES, Central Square CSD, Hannibal CSD, Mexico Academy and CSD, Cayuga Community College, Phoenix CSD, Port Byron CSD, Pulaski Academy and Central Schools and Sandy Creek CSD. This expansion will double the availability of guided college pathways and facilitate greater virtual sharing of instructors across districts.
The original infrastructure could only support 4 synchronous videoconferencing guided pathways such as courses focused on Criminal Justice, American Sign Language, Health Sciences and General Education Courses. The expansion will support guided college pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Education, Art and Business. Each guided college pathway results in 12-14 college credits for each student in the course of one year.
CiTi will also enhance its virtual field trips, classroom collaborations and professional development programs. In partnership with Cayuga and Onondaga Community Colleges, CiTi aims to increase offerings for certifications and associate degree pathways in STEM-related fields through its Distance Learning Program. The grant will fund the establishment of second distance learning labs at CiTi, school districts and community colleges, as well as a videoconferencing infrastructure to support these virtual classrooms. College courses will be taught by college professors or teachers from participating districts, providing students with access to high-quality, interactive education.
"The grant will help level the playing field for many rural communities by increasing access to higher education and offering diverse pathways,” said CiTi District Superintendent Christopher J. Todd. “We are excited to expand this program, collaborating with community partners to utilize innovative technology that enhances and broadens the quality of learning for everyone."
CiTi Director of Virtual Learning & Innovation P-16 Melissa Daniels said, “The 2024 RUS award will enable CiTi to strengthen its partnership with Cayuga and Onondaga Community Colleges by developing focused college and career pathways for students. Through interactive videoconferencing, high school students can take college-level courses taught by college professors, giving them a valuable college experience while still in high school. This initiative allows students to reduce their time in college, significantly easing the financial burden on students and their families by making substantial progress toward a degree before graduation.”