Gayle Manchin, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, discusses the perks of career mentoring programs with local leaders in the private and public sectors during a visit to the DCMO BOCES Norwich campus on Wednesday. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NORWICH – Co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Gayle Manchin joined leaders in business and education at DCMO BOCES in Norwich on Wednesday to hear how federal funds have bolstered BOCES’ efforts to connect high school students with the area’s professional workforce.

The visit was an opportunity for BOCES to spotlight its Career Destinations Program which encourages students to consider careers available in the local area. A $78,000 federal ARC grant was awarded for the pilot program last November, administered by the region’s economic development engine Southern Tier 8.

With help from the chambers of commerce in Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego counties, ARC funds allowed the 16 school districts in the DCMO BOCES system to partner 62 high school seniors with local mentors in the private and public sectors, depending on their interests.

“Learning is a lifelong process,” Manshin said. “We learn every day and realize that we have a lot to give others, which is the value and importance of mentorship programs – to share what we’ve learned with others. But there’s also the opportunity to learn from others.”

Manshin also noted that leadership groups have a history of forming “alumni groups” which she says is a sign of the gains from working together.