MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution to participate in a federal work-study program with SUNY Sullivan on Thursday, August 20. The move bolsters the college’s efforts to create a stream of employable graduates and directly connect them to a potential employer in the public sector.

Before the vote, legislators heard remarks in support of the resolution from Associate Professor at SUNY Sullivan Jason Kaplan, who started his career as a student at SUNY Sullivan.

“I have about 19 years of experience in higher education,” said Kaplan. “And as part of that experience, I really learned the value of not just a traditional college education, but also experience of actually working with professions and different industries that the students are interested in.”

Kaplan said that the work-study program not only provides a great experience for the students but also a means to earning income in a way that accommodates their academic schedules.

“[This is a] very valuable program, thank you,” said Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz.

The resolution authorizes the legislature to participate in the SUNY Sullivan Federal Work-Study Program in order to support workforce development, talent pipeline development and civic engagement.

The resolution states eligible SUNY Sullivan students will gain exposure to local government operations, public sector careers, and professional development opportunities while strengthening the connection between education and employment.

It continues to say that up to two SUNY Sullivan Federal Work-Study students are supported each academic term, with one legislator from each political party assigned to each student “for the purpose of providing balanced educational exposure to county government operations, legislative processes, and public service.”

According to SUNY Sullivan’s website, the federal work-study initiative provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students who have a qualifying need and incorporates work that complements the student’s academic program. The website also states that the program encourages community service work and is administered by the SUNY Sullivan Financial Aid Office.