Students Working on Campus Through New Empire State Service Corps

Archer Abbott and Deevashly Sawh are two of the first students at the College hired through the new Empire State Service Corps, and their jobs on campus are perfect fits for them.

The Empire State Service Corps, a partnership between New York State and SUNY to promote paid civic and service opportunities, began this semester. Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado announced the program in May 2024 during an event on campus, along with SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. 

“Through this initiative we are providing paid service opportunities to SUNY students while doing the critical work of reconnecting our communities and grounding ourselves in our shared humanity,” Delgado said. “This is how we show up for one another and move our state forward.”

Archer, a Liberal Arts major, is the new Student Co-host of the Many Voices, One Call podcast, alongside Dr. Babette Faehmel, Professor of History in the Division of Liberal Arts. A 2023 graduate of Cambridge Central School, Archer co-hosted his first episode in early November, discussing the 2024 Election with students, staff, and community leaders. He is excited to lend his voice to the season.

“I definitely want people to gain more insight into different identities through the podcast,” he said. “I think people can take each other for granted and the experiences that other people can go through. So, I’m just hoping that we shed a good light on different identities and their history. I hope we can open up people’s minds a little bit.” Archer plans to graduate in May 2025 and transfer on for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sociology or Political Science.

Deevashly, a Criminal Justice major, sees her new role working in the College’s Food Pantry as an extension of her volunteer work outside of school. She will be greeting pantry visitors, helping to stock the shelves in the pantry, and distributing orders.

“I feel like food insecurity is something that occurs a lot,” the 2023 Schenectady High School graduate shared. “I love volunteering at different organizations including Ring of Hope Boxing Club in Schenectady and New Hope Church in Albany where I helped to give out back to school supplies to kids, so this role in the Food Pantry aligns with who I am as a person.”  After she graduates, Deevashly plans to transfer for her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and then work in law enforcement.

Students in the Empire State Service Corps commit to dedicating at least 300 hours a year engaging in community service. They will convene regularly to share and learn from each other’s experiences.