NEW HARTFORD — The Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program at the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES recognized three local business and industry partners Nov. 16 for their commitment to the education of students.

Jim McCoy, of Indium Corporation, was awarded the Individual Contribution Award for his generosity and commitment to the P-TECH OHM program. McCoy has played an integral role in P-TECH OHM since it began in 2015. He was one of the first business partners and has contributed in every single aspect of the program.

McCoy has coordinated internships and the student worker program, as well as serving as a mentor, guest speaker, project judge and host for job shadows and workplace tours. He goes above and beyond to foster growth in P-TECH OHM students and contribute to the advancement of the program.

Stephanie Lai, of Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), was awarded the Partnership Excellence in Higher Education Award for her support of P-TECH OHM students across their college curriculum. Lai acts as an advocate and partner for students who are full-time at MVCC, bridging the gap between high school and college, while also providing opportunities that ensure post-secondary success.

She makes sure that students are registered for classes and fulfilling their degree requirements while providing them with the same opportunities as any traditional college student. As P-TECH OHM continues to expand, Lai’s role of making sure that every student is getting what they need and providing valuable information to P-TECH OHM staff is even more crucial.

New York Power Authority (NYPA) was awarded the Outstanding Business Partner Award for their generosity and commitment to the education of students in P-TECH OHM. NYPA began its partnership with P-TECH OHM in early 2021 and has quickly become one of the strongest contributors to the program.

Over the past two summers, NYPA has provided nine students with paid internship opportunities and hosted the 2021 and 2022 Summer Bridge programs at the NYPA Energy Zone. Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, NYPA gave P-TECH OHM students a chance to connect virtually with other P-TECH peers from across the state in monthly career academy workshops focused on professional development.

The awards were presented during a Meet and Greet event in the Overlook Room at OHM BOCES. The event also recognized the nearly 100 individuals and 40 local companies and businesses that currently partner with the P-TECH OHM program to provide industry challenge projects, field trips, job shadowing, internships and paid internships.

P-TECH OHM offers a unique education for students beginning in grade nine. Working with multiple business and education partners, the program is designed to give students the skills and experiences they need in technology and manufacturing in order to compete in a global marketplace. Students earn an associate degree at no cost to their families and will be the first in line for jobs with participating companies when they graduate.

P-TECH OHM currently enrolls students from the following school districts: Brookfield, Clinton, Holland Patent, New Hartford, New York Mills, Oriskany, Remsen, Rome, Sauquoit Valley, Vernon Verona Sherrill, Waterville, Westmoreland and Whitesboro.