Ortt delivers a total of $80,000 to area BOCES & Cornell Cooperative

Senator secures funding for educational programming throughout his 62nd Senate District

During a ceremonial check presentation on Wednesday, New York State Sen. Rob Ortt delivered a total of $80,000 in state funding to support educational programs, services and projects throughout Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties.

The Orleans/Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) received $45,000 for its nationally recognized adult health care programs offered at both its locations in Sanborn and Medina. The funding will go toward purchasing medical equipment and supplies, hospital beds, and computerized manikins used for scenario-based simulations.

Adult/continuing education health care programs offered at O/N BOCES include licensed practical nursing (LPN), certified nursing assistant, phlebotomy and home health aide. With a high need for employees in the health care field, O/N BOCES officials said they are hoping the addition of new, state-of-the-art medical equipment will bolster the number of students in these programs.

Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES was presented with a $15,000 ceremonial check to expand its library instructional services for its students. BOCES 2 will purchase educational tools and technology that will provide the 34,000 students it serves with hands-on experiences and 21st century skills for college and career readiness.

Specifically, BOCES 2 plans to buy additional e-books, so more students can access its collection; LEGO Robotics kits to teach kids about coding and how it works; MaKey MaKey Invention Kits to turn ordinary objects into touch pads that connect to the Internet; and green screen kits to superimpose images. The technology will enhance creative thinking skills and problem-solving skills in students, and help them find solutions to everyday situations.

Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension received $20,000 in funding, which will be used to implement the "Ag in the Classroom and Community" program.

Working with school districts and community organizations in Orleans County, the nonprofit plans to teach kids, ranging in ages from 3 to 18 years old, about agriculture. The program provides kids with a better understanding of where their food comes from, and how it's produced. The CCE aims to build an interest in agricultural science-related career paths.

Ortt secured the funding in the 2016-17 state budget.