Partnership Part of RCC’s Strategic Initiative “Skill Up Rockland”
[Rockland County] May 6, 2024 — The County of Rockland Industrial Development Agency (Rockland IDA) is thrilled to unveil its dedication to cultivating local talent and driving economic prosperity in collaboration with the Rockland Community College (RCC). The Rockland IDA will provide internship stipends totaling $15,000 to support six RCC students pursuing internships in fields aligned with Rockland industry, economics, and business for one year. The stipends, each valued at $2,500, will be awarded to two students per semester – Fall, Spring, and Summer.
“This partnership underscores RCC’s steadfast commitment to empowering students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and real-world exposure,” said Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, President of Rockland Community College. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Rockland IDA for their generous support, which plays a pivotal role in propelling our students towards their academic and professional dreams.”
The partnership was formed through Skill Up Rockland, as part of RCC’s strategic initiative to ensures its students have the skills employers need. Through this collaboration, Rockland IDA aims to reinforce its dedication to the development of the local workforce, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to community prosperity and the preparation of future professionals. These internship stipends will directly benefit RCC students interning at businesses within Rockland County, contributing to both the students’ educational experience and the economic growth of the region.
“The collaboration between Rockland IDA and RCC represents a crucial step towards fostering economic development and supporting our local talent,” remarked Steven Porath, Executive Director of the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency. “We are excited to partner with the RCC to invest in the future workforce of Rockland County.”
To be selected for the internship stipends, students will undergo an assessment process, which considers factors such as financial need and the submission of an essay outlining how their targeted internship aligns with their career goals. While the selected students will not intern directly for the IDA, they will be interning through RCC Career Services, thereby ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience.
The Rockland County Industrial Development Agency is dedicated to advancing job opportunities, economic welfare, and the overall prosperity of Rockland County. Through financing assistance and benefits, the IDA actively promotes the development of commerce and industry within the region.
For further information about this partnership and internships, please contact Rachel Mead, Dean for Career and Workforce Innovation, at 845-574-4542 or [email protected].
For more information about Rockland Community College visit their website or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and more: sunyrockland.edu/socialmedia.
To learn more about the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency, visit rocklandida.com.
About Rockland IDA
The Rockland County Industrial Development Agency is dedicated to advancing the economic welfare and general prosperity of Rockland County by promoting the development of various facilities, industries, and businesses within the region. By offering financing assistance and benefits, the IDA actively supports the growth of commerce and industry in Rockland County.
About Skill Up Rockland
Skill Up Rockland, is an RCC initiative to close skills gaps, meet employer talent needs, and increase economic mobility. The three primary goals of Skill Up Rockland include: Pathways for People – aimed at increasing economic mobility of Rockland residents by increasing their skills and qualifications; Partnerships for Jobs – to attract more employer partners who are ready, willing, and able to advise on workforce strategy, and co-design pathways and opportunities to meet their needs; and, Investments for Opportunity – designed to provide resource training and work-based learning opportunities for Rockland residents and incentivize employer partnerships to invest in building the talent pipeline. This comprehensive approach will deepen community and employer partnerships to increase career-connected learning and support pathways to economic mobility for Rockland residents.
About Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCCs institutional collaborations.
RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and microcredentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.
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