COMMITTEE ON CULTURAL & ETHNIC DIVERSITY

MINUTES

MAY 6, 2003

MEMBERS:  YOUNG, BRONZ

STAFF:  ETTERE, CHANG

OTHERS:  David L. Jones, LaShawn Francis (Universal Community Development Corp.); Donnovan Beckford (Westchester One-Stop Employment Center); Deputy Commissioner Jewru Bandeh (DSS); Christine Burton (CHET-New Rochelle); Bill Randolph (CE Office)

The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m.

Mr. David Jones presented his proposal on The Joint-Apprenticeship Construction and Training Program Small Incubator Project for Contractors.  The purpose of this program is to provide funds and technical, social service assistance in order to prepare citizens for the Construction Trades Training Program for Women and Minorities within the Northeastern Region of New York.  This project would be a collaborative effort from many different organizations such as the A. Philip Randolph Educational Fund; Universal Community Development Corporation/Consortium; NYS Workforce Development Partnership Program; NYS Building & Trade Council; NYS Veterans Associations-Permanent Housing Program; NYS Apprenticeship & Training Council; NYS One Stop Shop Centers; Westchester Minority Contractors Assn.; Cornell University Family Development Center, Inc. and the New Rochelle Housing Authority/CHET, to name a few.

This program will target NYS residents who are minorities and women with high school diplomas, a GED or who are in/out of school between the ages of 16-40 and are interested in qualifying for the Apprenticeship Training for the constructions trades industry.  The program will involve an extensive outreach and information program involving Faith-based and Community-based organizations; a specific preparatory training program; scholarships for occupational training with state approved providers for specific construction related trade skills; construction counseling and support services and providing local minority contractors access to technical and financial support. 

COMMITTEE ON CULTURAL & ETHNIC DIVERSITY

MINUTES – MAY 6, 2003

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This project will consist of many components ranging from outreach, intake, and assessment to tutorial services and personal counseling. 

Mr. Jones expressed the importance of receiving Westchester County’s support for this project and that it is something that should be taken into consideration as soon as possible.  A similar project has been very successful in New Jersey.

Deputy Commissioner Bandeh and Mr. Beckford were very receptive to the presentation.  Mr. Bandeh went on to express some of his thoughts and ideas.

Legislator Young stated that a joint meeting of the Committees on Cultural & Ethnic Diversity and Labor would be necessary and that he would speak with Legislator Latimer before the week’s end to set a future date.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.