Thanks to the thoughtful generosity of a supporter from Washington, Connecticut, the NVCC Foundation has launched an initiative to support student jobs on campus. Valerie Friedman, a friend and benefactor to the College led the initiative with a $5,000 contribution to start the campaign, an anonymous donor followed with a matching contribution.  The plan will enable students who are not eligible for financial aid to work on campus between and after classes. Students who do not have to leave the campus for employment have greater academic success. Friedman, a close friend of the College who has been involved with student success programs in the past, noted that “Enabling students to stay on campus and earn what they need to complete their educations is a small price with an important payoff.” 

Kristin Harris, a second year Liberal Arts major, works on social media for the Office of College Marketing.  “Having a job on campus is a life saver for me – I save time and gas. Being on campus, I have more study time and the staff is so understanding that I am a student and need time for my studies.” When asked what she likes best about her job, Kristin says that she feels more involved with the school and enjoys being able to keep students informed on all the activities and events on campus.

Collette McKenley began her studies at NVCC in fall 2014 and was interested in obtaining a work-study position but was disappointed to discover funding had run out.  She was excited to receive a call from Student Services before the Spring 2015 semester asking if she’d like to interview for a position at the College’s information desk. “What I enjoy about working at the information desk is being able to help someone around campus or with mycommnet.  When I first came to NVCC, I needed the information desk when I was lost, so it’s nice to help others now.”  Like Kristin, Collette finds the convenience of an on-campus job translates into additional study time for her major in Behavioral Science.

Sarah Gager, Dean of Student Services, commented that the program makes a difference for student success, “The ‘Student Jobs on Campus’ initiative is a wonderful opportunity for our students.  The students are matched into positions on campus that support their academic goals.  They gain valuable work experience and the added support of mentoring from staff & faculty.   They also provide valuable feedback to the College as to how we can best support our student body.”