DCC Awarded Nearly $2M For Workforce Training

POUGHKEEPSIE – The New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) awarded nearly $2 million to Dutchess Community College (DCC) to expand training programs in advanced manufacturing and clean energy technology at the College’s Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation (COEBII) in Fishkill, NY.

DCC plans to use the funding to expand its existing microcredential pathways for electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, and HVAC careers to 630 participants over three years at COEBII. The College will expand credentialing opportunities by supporting instructor training and certification to provide more varied and advanced modules in advanced manufacturing and clean technology.

By expanding these training programs, DCC will help address growing workforce shortages in HVAC, advanced manufacturing and electrical technology as the Hudson Valley’s clean energy and manufacturing sectors continue to expand.

“This grant is a tremendous investment in DCC and the future workforce of the mid-Hudson region,” said DCC President Peter Grant Jordan. “With a demonstrated record of preparing and training our graduates to be career-ready at graduation, DCC is a trusted partner to both industry and individuals looking to step into high-demand jobs with family-sustaining wages.”

Additional workforce education programs are expected to grow COEBII’s enrollment from 90 students this year to an anticipated 450 by the 2029–30 academic year. The initiative is supported by the Council of Industry, Dutchess County and other regional partners in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and workforce development.

The Pay for Performance Operating Grant supports workforce training programs that provide industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields across New York State. To be considered, DCC needed to demonstrate that the proposed programs will prepare New Yorkers for jobs that are in-demand and offer career advancement opportunities and provide outcome data throughout the grant period to evaluate efficacy of programs. Industry engagement, including investment in collaborative approaches with stakeholders to address labor needs and career-readiness, are also critical components for grant consideration.

“This grant represents the next step in the Center’s evolution,” said Susan Rogers, vice president of Institutional Effectiveness and chair of the COEBII Steering Committee. “With support from OSWD, we will expand training in advanced manufacturing and clean technology careers to meet the future demands of our region and to continue providing the training our community has come to expect from DCC.”

As part of the grant application, DCC had to demonstrate that students can access wraparound supports that reduce barriers to training and employment for unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented populations including case management, stipends, transportation assistance, academic assistance and job placement.