HERKIMER — Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-118, Meco, has announced he has secured $25,000 in grants for the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES program.

This grant will be allocated to support the education of the students and services that may assist the betterment of their learning, according to Smullen’s announcement.

The BOCES program aims to provide young students with the opportunity for a more innovative learning experience that benefits not only themselves, but their community.

At Thursday’s meeting, Smullen congratulated Michael Clements, who was sworn in as the new Herkimer BOCES board president. 

“The Herkimer BOCES program is in great hands with its new board members and under the leadership of Michael Clements. I congratulate all the officers and instructors throughout the program for their dedication to our students’ success,” Smullen said.

“This grant funding will be instrumental in providing more alternative career pathways and opportunities for good-paying jobs in local trade industries in the Mohawk Valley Region, and I couldn’t be more proud to support our future skilled workers and tradesman,” the state assemblyman added.

New York State’s 118th Assembly District includes Hamilton and Fulton counties as well as parts of Herkimer, Oneida, and St. Lawrence counties.