[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF THE GRADUATION VIP PROGRAM, NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF 
                               TECHNOLOGY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
graduation of the Vocational Independence Program students (VIP) at the 
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in Central Islip, New York. It 
was my great pleasure to meet with these students in Washington, D.C. 
last month. They are a wonderful group and I am very proud of their 
achievement.
  The Vocational Independence Program was founded in 1987 by Jim Rein, 
Dave Finkelstein and Neal Nelson. VIP is a work/study recreational 
program that establishes a transition for sixteen to twenty-one year 
old learning disabled young adults considering post-secondary career 
options. Soon after its creation, the program developed into what is 
the current year-round VIP program. The program provides continuing 
academic exposure to the students and as training for varied vocational 
options, work experiences and social and independent living skills 
development. As a part of the campus of NYIT, the students are able to 
take college beyond its special curriculum.
  In our meeting last month, I was impressed with the VIP students keen 
understanding of how government works and the depth of their questions 
about my job and working in Congress. They have certainly benefitted 
from their various studies and trips outside the classroom. These 
experiences were a fine supplement to their excellent classroom 
curriculum.
  As someone with a learning disability, I commend the students for not 
allowing their own disabilities to prevent them from attending college 
and moving into the workforce. They have demonstrated a determination 
and quest for knowledge which all students should aspire.
  My best wishes to each of the graduates and their teachers, families 
and friends. I wish you great success now and in the future.

                          ____________________