Senate Resolution No. 1200

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the SUNY
Westchester Educational Opportunity Center

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those commemorative historical events which symbolize the growth
and development of the educational institutions which comprise the
communities of this great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Westchester Educational
Opportunity Center, to be celebrated on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the
Graduation & Completion Ceremony held by SUNY Westchester Community
College in Yonkers, New York; and

WHEREAS, Westchester EOC provides access to quality education and
serves as the center of influence for training and career development
for students and the community; they are committed to fostering the
personal growth, intellectual development, and economic independence of
students while supporting the economic revitalization and well-being of
the community; and

WHEREAS, Providing a comprehensive array of tuition-free
developmental, educational, and vocational training programs for
eligible adults in a supportive environment, Westchester EOC enables
students to obtain the skills and credentials they need to pursue higher
education and secure career-oriented employment; and

WHEREAS, Westchester EOC's vocational program offerings are designed
to prepare students for careers in healthcare, business, and the
knowledge economy with select hands-on skills; in addition to receiving
occupational-skills training for specific careers, many of their
vocational students also obtain industry or state certifications in
their field of study; and

WHEREAS, Offering courses meant to accommodate working-adult
schedules, Westchester EOC's language and foundational education
programs are designed to improve student's basic skills in math,
reading, writing and critical thinking; students who successfully
complete these classes can typically enroll in vocational or
more-advanced academic programs; and

WHEREAS, Westchester EOC's College Prep Academy helps prepare
students for the college placement exam, to minimize the number of
developmental or remedial classes a student might need once they
register for college; furthermore, they provide college tours,
workshops, and guidance to help make the transition to higher education
easier and more successful; and

WHEREAS, Partnering with well-established and significant employers,
other educational institutions and training providers, community-based
organizations, and state and local government agencies, Westchester EOC
provides internships and externships for their students, offer

customized training, and refer trained and screened candidates for
available job openings; and

WHEREAS, Serving as a resource on various workforce development
issues in the County, Westchester EOC provides workshops at a variety of
public forums and venues relating to public policy, federal legislation,
and the needs of underserved populations; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the
Westchester Educational Opportunity Center may look back with pride upon
its humble beginnings, find just satisfaction in its purposeful growth
and hold true of purpose in its commitment to serving the educational
needs of the citizens of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to join with the
Westchester Educational Opportunity Center in the celebration of its
50th Anniversary, recognizing on this auspicious occasion that the
quality and dignity of life are empowered by the faithful and diligent
efforts of such noble institutions of learning; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the SUNY Westchester Educational
Opportunity Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the SUNY Westchester Educational Opportunity Center.