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Dutchess County Community College (DCC) in Fishkill has been awarded nearly $2 million by the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development to expand its workforce training programs. The funding will enhance programs in advanced manufacturing, electrical technology, and HVAC at the college's Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation (COEBII).
The grant aims to address workforce shortages in the Hudson Valley's growing clean energy and manufacturing sectors. Over the next three years, DCC plans to expand its microcredential pathways to 630 participants, offering training and certification in high-demand fields. The initiative will also support instructor training and the development of advanced modules in clean technology.
DCC President Peter Grant Jordan expressed the significance of the grant, stating, "This grant is a tremendous investment in DCC and the future workforce of the mid-Hudson region." The college aims to grow its enrollment at COEBII from 90 students to 450 by the 2029-30 academic year, as reported by SUNY Dutchess.
The funding is part of a $15 million statewide investment in workforce development projects announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The goal is to prepare New Yorkers for high-demand jobs and provide them with the necessary skills.
Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Susan Rogers noted that the grant represents the next step in the Center's evolution, allowing DCC to meet future demands in advanced manufacturing and clean technology careers. The expansion will include new state-of-the-art labs and technical spaces, including facilities for electric vehicle training, as detailed in the Times Union.