Mount Sinai, NY, April 2013 — The Job Opportunities Board (JOB) initiative, spearheaded by Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, was approved by the Legislature on Tuesday, April 24.

Introductory Resolution 1116 will establish JOB to centralize career advancement and educational opportunities in Suffolk County. Formed in coordination with the Suffolk County Workforce Investment Board Youth Council, the Board will strengthen efforts to create a vast inventory of mentorship and internship opportunities to aid students in gaining permanent local employment. Stakeholders from the county, educational institutions and business associations will meet to map out initiatives to help Suffolk County college students find employment. Smaller discussion groups will be formed at the bi-annual meetings to focus on specialized initiatives, which may include creating a localized employment website, addressing the issue of housing and focusing on keeping local young adults here on Long Island over the long term.

“Students graduating from college today are faced with incredible challenges, including the high unemployment rate and the issue of paying back large student loans,” said Legislator Anker. “By forging a connection between higher education institutions, government entities and a wide variety of businesses we can establish a more cohesive network that fosters opportunities to help our children find local jobs and strengthen the County’s economy. As Chair of the County’s Education Committee, I’m working to help our kids find jobs so they can stay and thrive here on Long Island.  The initiative will also assist the business community to find local employees.”

According to the National Association of College and Employers, 60% percent of college graduates that participate in a paid internship for 2012 secured a job, while 37% of graduates that participated in an unpaid internship secured a job. Legislator Anker hopes the JOB initiative will increase the number of both types of internships available to our children.

“As President of Suffolk County Community College, I was pleased to learn that the JOB initiative was approved by the Suffolk County Legislature,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay. “We look forward to partnering with our colleagues from local government, business and education to help move forward new initiatives to assist Suffolk County college students to find mentorship and internship placements that can lead to local permanent employment. I want to commend Legislator Sarah Anker for her leadership and for joining us in striving to keep more of our college students here on Long Island.”

The board will consist of representatives from the County Executive, the Chairperson of the Suffolk County Education Committee, the Chairperson of the Suffolk County Economic Development Committee, Suffolk County Community College, Suffolk County Workforce Investment Board Youth Council (Department of Labor), Suffolk County Youth Bureau, Suffolk County IDA (Industrial Development Agency), Long Island Federation of Labor, five representatives from Suffolk County colleges, three representatives from local business associations and three representatives from local technology organizations.

“Legislator Anker’s bill will help to create jobs and spur economic growth,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I look forward to signing the JOB bill into law.”

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For More Information, Please Contact:
Pamela Donovan
631-854-1600
pamela.donovan@suffolkcountyny.gov