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RCC and Rockland IDA Partner to Provide Internship Stipends for Students; St. Thomas Aquinas College Launches STEM Adjunct Faculty Academy; Briefs

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RCC and Rockland IDA Partner to Provide Internship Stipends for Students: Partnership Part of RCC’s Strategic Initiative “Skill Up Rockland”

The County of Rockland Industrial Development Agency (Rockland IDA) is partnering with Rockland Community College (RCC) to provide internship stipends totaling $15,000 to support six RCC students pursuing fields aligned with Rockland industry, economics, and business for one year.

Each $2,500 stipend 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 initiative to prepare students with skills. Through this collaboration, Rockland IDA aims to reinforce its dedication to the development of the local workforce. These internship stipends will directly benefit RCC students interning at businesses in 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 financial need and the submission of an essay outlining how their targeted internship aligns with career goals. The selected students will not intern directly for the IDA, they will be interning through RCC Career Services.

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 promotes the development of commerce and industry within the region.

For information, contact Rachel Mead, Dean for Career and Workforce Innovation, at 845-574-4542 or Rachel.Mead@sunyrockland.edu.

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.


St. Thomas Aquinas College Launches STEM Adjunct Faculty Academy – Empowering STEM Professionals to Educate the Next Generation

St. Thomas Aquinas College has launched its STEM Adjunct Faculty Academy, offering professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math an opportunity to share their expertise through part-time adjunct teaching roles in academia.

“At St. Thomas Aquinas College, we are blessed with a highly skilled and dedicated faculty team, so, I am thrilled to invite math and science professionals to join our adjunct faculty ranks and enrich our educational landscape with their industry knowledge and innovative perspectives,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “As a prior adjunct professor for over 25 years, I know firsthand that their expertise will help unlock new realms of discovery, helping to shape STEM education and the future success of our students.”

The STEM Adjunct Faculty Academy is aimed at equipping science professionals with the tools and support necessary for success in the college classroom. Participants will engage in three 90-minute, in-person sessions at St. Thomas Aquinas College’s campus in Sparkill between 6:30-8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 11, 18, and 25, 2024. Full details and schedule can be found online: stac.edu/stemacademy

“As Dean of the School of STEM, I firmly believe that these three planned sessions will be pivotal in bridging the gap between industry expertise and effective classroom instruction,” said Dr. Bianca Wentzell. “Our aim is to empower industry professionals with pedagogical tools and strategies that will not only enrich their teaching experiences, but also foster a dynamic learning environment for students. These sessions are more than just training; they are a testament to our commitment to excellence in STEM education.”

Applications are being accepted through May 20 for this program. Candidates will be chosen based on educational credentials, work experience, and the College’s current academic needs. While a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a relevant field is preferred, passionate individuals with varied backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Participation is free, and acceptance into the program does not guarantee employment. The online application is available at: stac.edu/stemacademy

Contact Dr. Steve Burns, Assistant Dean, School of STEM at sburns@stac.edu or 845.398.4176 with questions.

Teaching Opportunities for Areas Outside of STEM

For candidates who are interested in adjunct roles in three Academic Schools — School of Arts & Social Sciences, School of Business, or School of Education — please send a cover letter and resume to Christine Smith, Provost’s Office at csmith@stac.edu.


Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland to Host “Hearts of Gold” Gala – Volunteers and Staff of Local Parishes to be Honored

Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland (CCCSR) on June 20 will host their Gala Dinner “Hearts of Gold at Town & Country at 922 Route 9W in Congers. CCCSR will recognize volunteers and staff from the 14 parishes in Rockland County.

Honorees are nominated by their respective Pastors for their dedication and commitment to their own parish ministry.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate so many individuals who give back to their communities on a regular basis through our annual Hearts of Gold Gala,” said Dan Eudene, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland which assists with food insecurity and housing issues for those facing eviction. “Last year’s event was an enormous success with so many from around Rockland County coming out to celebrate those who do so much for others.”

The Hearts of Gold gala will begin with a social hour at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase for $125 each. Corporate and organizational sponsorship and journal advertising opportunities are also available by contacting LuAnn Kelley at 845.942.5791, ext. 1012 or  LuAnn.Kelley@ccrockland.org

For more information, visit: https://www.ccsrockland.org/hearts-of-gold-gala/

Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland is an affiliate of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York and is a not-for-profit 501c3 social service agency established in 1996 by the eighteen Catholic parishes of Rockland County. The organization’s focus is to provide the necessities of life, such as food, shelter and emergency assistance for those in need. Programs include information and referral, general case management, homelessness and eviction prevention, emergency financial assistance, nutritional outreach and education, street outreach, the warming center, a food pantry, and immigration legal services.

More information can be found at www.ccsrockland.org or by calling (845) 942-5791.