FISHKILL –  officials, workforce partners and government leaders gathered Wednesday for a symbolic indoor groundbreaking at the college’s Fishkill campus, where a combined $5 million in state funding was announced to expand the school’s Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation.

Empire State Development awarded the college a $3 million upstate revitalization initiative grant, while the Office of Strategic Workforce Development contributed nearly $2 million in March. Academic and industry partners from across the county celebrated the announcement Wednesday, with electrical automation and geothermal equipment displayed in the room.

“Our mission is simple–to connect New Yorkers to quality jobs while helping employers build the workforce they need to grow and compete,” said Michelle Clark, Vice President and Director of Workforce Development for Empire State Development.  “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the expansion of a building.  It reflects the Governor’s commitment to preparing students and workers for the industries that are shaping our future economy.”

“We’re building a powerhouse workforce pipeline. By 2030 this center will graduate 450 students annually with cutting-edge skills. And we’re talking about the jobs of tomorrow–advanced manufacturing, cyber security, AI, HVAC and clean tech,” said Linda Malave, Regional Director for ESD and Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council.  “These are the sectors that are actively growing here in the Mid-Hudson Valley and throughout New York State.”

The state grants will enhance educational opportunities at the Fishkill campus, adding about 75,000 square feet to the facility at the former Dutchess Mall near the I-84 corridor.  College officials said construction is underway at the site, with phase one of the project expected to be completed by fall.

The expansion includes an updated HVAC program and the addition of more students to the Mechatronics and Electrical Technology cohort, which includes high school students through a P-TECH partnership program.

Phase two will develop lab space for cybersecurity, architecture, construction and chemistry as well as faculty offices, event space and quiet areas for students to work and study. During that same period, the first floor will undergo construction to establish the Automotive Technology facility with vehicle bays and specialized lab space.

Part of the plan is to add a business program to the site, allowing students to complete a business degree while seeing other aspects of industry in action.
Central Hudson President and CEO Steph Raymond repeated the company’s commitment to deepening its partnership with DCC, noting that the utility company currently employs 150 of its graduates.
Just last month, Central Hudson awarded the college a $ 200,000 clean energy workforce grant to support a new HVAC and building trades lab with hands-on training in heat pumps, solar, and high-efficiency electric equipment.

“Dutchess County has been so proud to invest in the development of the mechatronics lab here in Fishkill and the Aviation Center at Hudson Valley Regional Airport,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “As someone who did not take the traditional path, I have enjoyed meeting so many of the students in these programs and hearing their success stories.”

School officials say what makes the project distinctive is that it addresses the needs of the entire student, at any age or educational stage.

The funding will not only cover tuition costs but also support wraparound services, such as transportation assistance, childcare, academic support, and job placement, to remove barriers that often stand in the way of academic success.
DCC alum Patrick Clarke was looking to expand his skills as a full-time employee of Onsemi, a local semiconductor manufacturer.  He is currently completing his third certificate at COEBII.

“The mechatronics lab has provided me with a positive learning environment and the flexibility that best fits my work schedule.  As a full-time employee, the hybrid online and in-person learning allows me to study fundamental concepts at my own pace.”

Dutchess Community College President Dr. Peter Grant Jordan said DCC is constantly thinking about how to move forward.  He alluded to possible discussions about expanding the aviation program due to its long waitlist and the possibility of beginning an air-traffic control program.  “Folks were always asking me what my vision was for DCC. And I said we must have a shared vision,” said Jordan.  “I need every one of you to own the vision.  This is a partnership, and this is just the beginning.”

SUNY Dutchess Fishkill campus


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