LOCH SHELDRAKE — As of last Thursday, the Sullivan County community will have a new tool at their disposal for technology access and workforce training opportunities. 

The first to be opened within a New York State Community College, SUNY ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking) Lab will support English language learners, career changers, and those looking towards earning professional certification at no cost.

The new ATTAIN Lab at SUNY Sullivan, located at Building H076-A, is funded by the SUNY University Center for Academic and Workforce Development with support from the state legislature, provides free access to computers, high-speed internet, and job-training programs. 

Residents aged 16 and older can take courses in areas ranging from digital literacy and Microsoft Office to customer service, health care, and high school equivalency (HSE) preparation.

Students preparing for their GED can study at their own pace using computer-based programs in reading, math, science and social studies, with instructors available to answer questions. Once they earn their GED, graduates qualify for the Sullivan Promise Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition and fees toward a two-year degree at SUNY Sullivan.

“When I started at SUNY Sullivan just over a year ago, one of the first things I heard about was the ATTAIN Lab  and the good work it had done in the county for many years,” explained SUNY Sullivan President David Potash. “Then I heard there was an opportunity for it to come here. Having a space that invites community into the college, that provides help ... and ways to get to that next job or  a new job or a promotion. That is totally in line with what SUNY Sullivan is all about: it’s about providing opportunities to the community in any way we can.”

Potash describes the new lab as a “big front door to the community into SUNY Sullivan”.

County Chair Nadia Rajsz emphasized the Sullivan County Legislature’s proudness in partnering with SUNY Sullivan on a “transformative way” to advance the skills and knowledge of Sullivan County citizens.

Rajsz cites the Lab’s opening as the County acting when it says it will by putting it’s money where it’s mouth is.

“Investing in these kinds of programs and services is really investing in ourselves,” stated Rajsz. “I commend all of you at Sullivan County Community College. What a gem we have in this institution.”

Also delivering remarks was Christopher White, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility, who tied the new lab to broader state initiatives. 

“ATTAIN Labs and our educational opportunity centers are part of SUNY’s Office of Workforce Development and Upward Mobility,” White stated. “They can be that first step into higher education or a promotion at work. In today’s world of artificial intelligence and automation, the biggest barrier we hear about is digital literacy. ATTAIN can be that door for people.”

Tamara Frazier, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director for the SUNY Black Leadership Institute, noted that the SUNY Sullivan site is the first ATTAIN Lab on a community college campus. She encouraged the public to help spread the word, saying, “If each one of us tells one to three people, just imagine the headwinds that will make SUNY Sullivan one of our top-performing labs across the state.”

The office of Assemblywoman Paula Kay also sent congratulations, presenting a certificate of merit to mark the ribbon-cutting.

Lisa Jackson, Associate Provost and Director of University Center for Academic and Workforce Development Director, ended remarks by thanking all who made the lab come to fruition from staff, partners, and the vendor team that mapped and set up the space.

Jackson added that SUNY Sullivan is “very fortunate” to have (SUNY Sullivan ATTAIN Lab Coordinator) Lori Boyd serving as the lab manager.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees were able to tour the Lab as a demonstration was given by Boyd to what the ATTAIN Lab was capable of.