Senators Skoufis and Carlucci Announce $499,999 in Funding for Rockland BOCES Program

**PRESS RELEASE**
Senators Skoufis and Carlucci Announce $499,999 in Funding for Rockland BOCES Program

Senators James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and David Carlucci (D-Rockland County) announced that Rockland BOCES will receive $499,999 in state funding for workforce and educational development programs.

The program will recruit youth from Spring Valley, ages 18-24, who have a history of dropping out of school, involvement in gang-related violence, unemployment, and other disadvantages. The program will focus on occupational skills training, employment services, and education.

“This will connect at-risk youth to mentors, educators, and specialists who can provide them with the skills to build a career,” said Senator James Skoufis. “Those who have disproportionately less access to resources and opportunities will be given a second chance through this program, and I look forward to seeing what’s to come from their growth in our community.”

Rockland BOCES Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mary Jean Marsico said, "This funding will allow Rockland BOCES to have a real impact in Spring Valley by providing career-connected activities for teens and young adults facing real challenges. Ultimately, we want to ensure that all youth have the competencies and skills to be successful in life. This grant award will give local 18 to 24-year-old’s an educational window into the local economy and build pathways to fulfilling, in-demand careers. I thank Senator Skoufis, Senator Carlucci, and our Adult Education team for working hard to secure this critical funding."

Senator David Carlucci said, "We must do everything we can to end gang violence and help our at-risk youth. We fought for this critical funding so disadvantaged children and teens are offered an opportunity to see a different path for themselves. Rockland BOCES will offer our young people valuable vocational training to better set them up for success in the future."   

The funding will be provided through the Workforce Development Demonstration Project and is expected to begin July 1, 2019.

###