A Schenectady High School senior has found his technological future at Capital Region BOCES.
Kwasi Leitch is enrolled in the New Visions: Emerging Technologies program that launched this school year at the Career and Technical Education Extension Center in Albany. There, he is gaining hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in a host of areas.
“The hands-on experience is the best part of the program. We get to learn multiple technologies and prepare for careers in many different trades,” said Leitch.
Developed in collaboration with Plug Power and the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), the program gives students hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in a host of areas. They include advanced manufacturing, mechanical and electrical systems, hydrogen safety and semiconductor processes. The program covers key topics such as fuel cell systems, pneumatics, automation, cleanroom protocols and troubleshooting techniques.
Leitch said the program has taught him a wealth of knowledge.
“It’s pretty in-depth with a lot of engineering stuff. Not just learning the book, but doing it hands-on, which is how I learn best,” he said.
Leitch said the program has opened up a wealth of options for his future.
“I definitely see this as a future career and something I can build off of,” he said. “I am interested in maybe electrical engineering or something like that.”