Skip to main content

Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES

Unleashing Potential In Our Community

Popular Links

Community Education Programs

Community Education Programs

We are thrilled to unveil our Adult Education programs to ignite your career and personal growth!

Whether you're aiming to boost literacy skills, dive into health occupations, master commercial driving, or pursue trades and career development, we've got you covered!

Click below to access more information about each course!

Personal Development

  • Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
    Time: 6:30–8:30 PM

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES
    1879 West Genesee St Rd
    Auburn, NY 13021

    Over the next few years, more than 82 million people in the United States will enter retirement. Are you one of them? Whether retirement is right around the corner or still a few years away, this course will help ensure you are on track to live the retirement you envision.

    Participants will learn practical, powerful strategies to avoid common retirement mistakes and build confidence in their financial planning.

    Fee: $19
    Instructors: Benjamin Stroh and Mike Rienhardt

    To register: Online Registration Form.

    For questions, please contact The Center for Learning at (315) 253-4899.

  • Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 6 – January 29, 2026
    Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES
    1879 West Genesee St Rd
    Auburn, NY 13021

    A Zoom option is available upon request.

    This course teaches participants how to:

    • Save money for things you need or want

    • Avoid going into debt and learn how to get out of debt

    • Create and manage a budget

    • Invest and build wealth

    • Use free financial tools

    • Incorporate spreadsheets for practical money management

    • And much more

    Fee: $100.00
    Instructor: Mary Bennett Parish, Instructor for Emerging Careers in Commerce

    To register: Online Registration Form.

    For questions, please contact The Center for Learning at (315) 253-4899.

  • January 26 – Pablo Picasso – “Shattered”
    Students will create a funny face in various drawing materials, followed by cutting and pasting the pieces in a shattered fashion.

    February 23 – Andy Warhol – “Many Versions of Me”
    In the style of Warhol, students will use a selfie to manipulate 4 versions of this image. These versions will then be printed, cut & pasted into a 4-square collage.

    March 30th – Vincent VanGogh – “My Starry Night”
    A mixed media project using pallet knives vs brushes, to achieve the “impasto” look. Students will create an 8 x 10 painting of their own starry night.

    April 27th – Claude Monet – “Bridge Over Colored Waters”
    Students will learn a wet on wet technique using watercolors to create a painting similar to Monet’s Japanese bridge and waterlilies.

    May 18th – Georgia O’Keefe – “A Closer Look”
    Students will create an acrylic 5 x 7 framed painting of close up flowers in the style of Georgia O’Keefe.

    To register: Online Registration Form.

    Dates: Mondays
    Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

    Course Fee: $40/Session

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES
    Center for Learning
    12 Allen Street
    Auburn, NY 13021

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899

Career Development

  • This hands-on program introduces the fundamentals of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining using Haas CNC lathes and mills. Participants will learn G-code, M-code, CNC controllers, tool setup, offsets, feeds, and speeds through real shop projects. CNC safety procedures and shop practices are emphasized.
    Note: This is not a CAD/CAM class.

    Participants will gain:

    • Confidence operating Haas CNC machines safely

    • Ability to read blueprints and part drawings

    • Skills in CNC setup, operation, and basic programming

    • A foundation for further training and certification

    • Machining knowledge valued by employers

    This course is ideal for adults seeking a career change, tradespeople upgrading skills, hobbyists, makers, and beginners with no prior CNC experience.

    Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 24 – March 26, 2026
    Fee: $475.00
    Instructor: Ben Nelson, Manufacturing Teacher

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Regional Education Center
    1879 W Genesee St Rd
    Auburn, NY 13021

    To register: Please click here to register.

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899

     

  • This program prepares students with entry-level skills needed to begin a career in plumbing. Instruction includes safety practices, personal protective equipment, confined-space safety, plumbing tools, applicable math, plumbing drawings, layout and installation, pipes, fittings, fixtures, and water systems.

    Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
    Dates: January 21 – April 22, 2026
    Time: 5:30–9:30 PM

    Course Fee: $3,010.00 (includes certification exam)

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Center for Learning
    12 Allen Street
    Auburn, NY 13021

    To register: Please click here to register.

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899

     

  • This program prepares learners to safely collect blood specimens for laboratory analysis. Participants will gain experience in venipuncture and other specimen collection procedures.

    Topics include:

    • Medical terminology

    • Anatomy and physiology

    • Blood collection procedures

    • Collection of additional specimen types within scope

    After completion, learners:

    • May take nationally recognized certification exams

    • Are eligible for an optional volunteer externship with a local organization

    Schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
    Dates: February 17 – April 28, 2026
    Time:

    • Weekdays: 6:00–9:30 PM

    • Saturdays: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

    Course Fee: $1,928.00 (includes certification exam)

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Center for Learning
    12 Allen Street
    Auburn, NY 13021

    To register: Please click here to register.

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899

     

  • This program focuses on transferable skills related to heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation systems. Instruction covers industry principles, safety, environmental considerations, and hands-on experience.

    Learners should obtain EPA certification prior to completion to qualify for employment involving refrigerants.

    Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
    Dates: January 20 – April 8, 2026
    Time: 5:30–9:30 PM

    Course Fee: $3,100.00 (includes certification exam)

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Center for Learning
    12 Allen Street
    Auburn, NY 13021

    To register: Please click here to register.

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899

     

  • This intensive program provides entry-level skills for careers in diesel-powered equipment repair. Instruction emphasizes hands-on lab experience supported by online curriculum.

    Students will gain proficiency in:

    • Preventive maintenance and inspections

    • Electrical systems

    • Brakes and lubrication

    • HVAC and aftertreatment systems

    • Diagnostics equipment

    Schedule: Tuesdays–Fridays
    Dates: January 20 – April 16, 2026
    Time: 5:30–9:30 PM

    Course Fee: $3,784.00 (includes certification exam)

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Center for Learning
    12 Allen Street
    Auburn, NY 13021

    To register: Please click here to register.

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899

     

  • This program prepares learners for entry-level chair-side dental assisting positions. Instruction covers administrative and clinical responsibilities, dental history, oral anatomy, operatory procedures, and legal aspects of dentistry.

    Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays
    Dates: February 18 – April 29, 2026
    Time: 6:00–9:00 PM

    Course Fee: $1,749.00 (includes certification exam)

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Center for Learning
    12 Allen Street
    Auburn, NY 13021

    To register: Please click here to register.

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899

     

  • This NYSED-approved training fulfills New York State DASA certification requirements. The Dignity Act ensures safe, supportive school environments free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.

    Format: 6-hour asynchronous online training with assignments
    Dates: Ongoing (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
    Time: Self-paced
    Location: Online

    Fee: $50
    Instructor: Laura Purdy

    For additional information:
    Contact Sara Herman here. 

  • This NYSED-approved online course fulfills mandatory requirements for mandated reporters, including updated training on implicit bias, adverse childhood experiences, and virtual interaction protocols.

    Format: 3-hour asynchronous online training with assignments
    Dates: Ongoing (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
    Time: Self-paced

    Fee: $35
    Instructor: Laura Purdy

    For additional information:
    Contact Sara Herman by clicking here. 

  • This course fulfills NYSED certification requirements for educators and administrators working in special education. Participants will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder characteristics, behavior supports, and best instructional practices.

    Format: 3-hour asynchronous online training with assignments
    Dates: Ongoing (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
    Time: Self-paced

    Fee: $35
    Instructor: Amber Wildenstein

    For additional information:
    Contact Sara Herman by clicking here. 

  • Gain practical skills needed to work safely and effectively in a metalworking environment. Whether you’re exploring a new hobby, seeking entry-level trade skills, or planning to advance into more complex fabrication, these classes provide a clear, safety-focused path into welding.

    Metalworking Tools & Torch Safety (Angle Grinder + Oxy-Acetylene Fundamentals)
    This entry-level course introduces students to the safe and effective use of an angle grinder and an oxy-acetylene torch, including PPE requirements, tool setup, equipment inspection, hazard identification, and proper shutdown procedures. Students gain hands-on experience with grinding, material preparation, and flame-cutting techniques.

    Introduction to Welding Processes: SMAW & GTAW (Stick and TIG)
    This course provides a foundational understanding of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Students learn equipment components, power source operation, electrode and tungsten selection basics, and the principles of arc creation and weld formation, along with guided lab practice and strict safety standards.

    Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, February 3 – March 12, 2026
    Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
    Fee: $499.00

    Location:
    Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES
    1879 West Genesee St Rd
    Auburn, NY 13021

    To register: Please click here to register.

    Contact:
    Michele Lopez
    Phone: (315) 253-4899