Relates to establishing centers of workforce achievement programs and of public/private partnerships between the state university of New York's community colleges and private businesses

9 Co-sponsors

• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Terry Gipson
• Mark Grisanti
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Velmanette Montgomery
• Kevin S. Parker
• Bill Perkins
• Gustavo Rivera
• John L. Sampson

BILL NUMBER:S539A

Title of bill

An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to establishing centers of workforce achievement

Purpose

This bill establishes Centers of Workforce Achievement Programs, public/private partnerships between SUNY community colleges and private businesses.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 states the legislative intent of this bill, which is to advance the creation of public/private partnerships between SUNY community colleges and private businesses by instituting the designation of Centers of Workforce Achievement, and the creation of a funding stream to support the creation and development of these centers of workforce development and training.

Section 2 adds a new article 19-A to the economic development law, establishing the Centers of Workforce Achievement.

Section 415 of Article 19-A outlines the designation and purpose of these Centers of Workforce Achievement. These centers will be established for the purpose of fostering collaboration between SUNY community colleges and the private business sector to develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of the regional and local community. The Centers will be overseen by the SUNY Board of Trustees and staffed by representatives including SUN? faculty and management and will function similar to Centers of Excellence; funding for these centers is predicated upon the formation of a Center of Workforce Achievement program and financing plan that is designed to meet the needs of the workforce in the region and outlines anticipated workforce development benefits. Partnerships entered into by community colleges with private businesses will ensure that once the workers are trained, a job is available for each student.

Justification

One of the most pressing challenges facing New York state is the need to educate and train its workforce to meet the demands of a new and changing economic landscape, Many community colleges throughout the state have been forming public/private partnerships with local manufacturing and technology businesses in order to address the gap between what jobs are available and the skills possessed by the local workforce. It is estimated that up to 80% of community college graduates remain in the area, and as technologies and industries evolve, our education system must also evolve to create a workforce that is equipped with the skills to perform these new jobs.

Centers of Workforce Achievement will advance the creation of these highly productive partnerships. and ensure a high degree of collaboration between educational systems and workforce investment boards, industrial development agencies and private businesses. These Centers will create an intense focus on the regional needs of existing NY businesses and, by training workers to fit these needs, will also keep jobs in New York state while putting people back to work.

Legislative history

2012: S.7669 Referred to Rules

Fiscal implications

Funding for this program will be subject to legislative approval and, as such, there is no immediate fiscal impact.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.