At its fifteenth regular Board meeting of the year, the Westchester County Board of Legislators passed several legislative items supporting professional development, youth employment, and technology upgrades at Westchester Community College, among others.

Chairman Vedat Gashi (New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, "These initiatives reflect our Board's commitment to workforce readiness by enhancing professional development for faculty, improving access to technological resources for learners, and creating career opportunities for youth. Together, they ensure that our educators, learners, and workers receive the vital support they need at every stage of their professional development."

Youth Employment 

The Board passed legislation to launch a new initiative providing summer employment and training for local youth. This effort supports the cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Yonkers, White Plains, the Villages of Ossining and Port Chester, and the Town of Greenburgh. The Westchester County Youth Bureau, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester, will lead this initiative, supported by a $155,016 grant from New York Presbyterian Hospital. This program will help youth from low to moderate-income families and offer comprehensive job training and skills development over six weeks. Participants will explore career paths, develop employability skills, and gain practical experience, enhancing essential skills for future success.

Legislator James Nolan (Yonkers, Bronxville, Eastchester) said, "I am pleased to support such an important initiative that provides Summer jobs and training to our youth. Summer work is an important foundation for helping young people succeed as adults. These programs help young people craft the kind of career they want to pursue and enhance their resume for the future. When young people succeed, society succeeds as a whole!"

Read the legislation here

Faculty Contract Enhancing Compensation and Development

Additionally, the Board has approved an agreement between Westchester County and the Westchester Community College Federation of Teachers. This six-year contract includes enhanced professional development funding and adjustments to faculty compensation, with incremental raises and bonuses for both full-time and adjunct faculty.

Legislator David Tubiolo (Yonkers, Mount Vernon) said, "I am delighted to support this initiative that fairly compensates our teachers and faculty while investing in the training and tools they need to teach the next generation. My hope is that this increases teacher retention in our County."

Read the legislation here

Investment in Tech Infrastructure at Westchester Community College

The Board also approved a bond act to support technology infrastructure upgrades at Westchester Community College (WCC) 's Valhalla campus, focusing on academic technology initiatives and network security improvements. With support from state funding, the college will use in-house staff for design tasks, ensuring efficiency and local engagement.

Read the legislation here