Seward Delivers Funding for Cortland County School

CORTLAND, 09/12/16 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined in the grand opening of Seven Valleys New Tech Academy in Cortland and announced a $200,000 state grant he secured to help with the school’s development.

“Seven Valleys New Tech Academy is an innovative education setting that takes a real-world approach to preparing students for future success,” said Senator Seward.  “Along with educating students, the Cortland school is also training area teachers so they can implement new techniques and strategies that will better serve students throughout our region today and tomorrow.”

Seven Valleys New Tech Academy serves high school students from throughout Cortland County, providing an innovative learning environment that aims to improve students’ college and career readiness through project-based learning, collaborative workspace and technology. The school is also a site for teacher training.

OCM BOCES Superintendent Dr. J. Francis Manning said, “Seven Valleys is the culmination of years of planning with several stakeholder groups, including area school superintendents, school board members, higher education representatives and business partners. Local businesses continue to be involved by offering students authentic projects with ties to the real world. Support from Senator Seward and the New York State Senate has been instrumental and is greatly appreciated.”

Senator Seward along with Senators John A. DeFrancisco and David Valesky, who jointly represent the OCM BOCES in the senate, have worked collaboratively to direct state funding to the New Tech schools.  This grant brings the total state funding for the schools to $600,000.

“Colleges and businesses are evolving to meet new global demands and it is crucial that high school students are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.  By partnering with area businesses and utilizing new teaching methods, Seven Valleys is ensuring that students are ready for what comes next in life.  This is truly an exciting place to learn,”Seward concluded.

Seven Valleys New Tech Academy joins Innovation Tech High School, which OCM BOCES opened in Liverpool in 2014, as the first and only two New Tech schools in Central New York. New Tech schools are part of the New Tech Network, a non-profit organization that provides services and support nationwide to schools, districts and communities for developing public schools in which project-based learning is the primary instructional approach. Founded in Napa, California, in 1996, New Tech is made up approximately 175 schools in 28 states, China and Australia.

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