New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $40 million investment for the construction of the Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) at Hudson Valley Community College. The 125,000-square-foot facility, with a total cost of $64 million, is scheduled to open in 2027. It aims to prepare students for careers in applied technology and skilled trades such as building systems, automotive and transportation technologies, renewable energy, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Governor Hochul stated, “We’re training New Yorkers in the jobs of the future — investing in an economy that lifts up communities in the Hudson Valley and beyond. With billions of dollars in manufacturing coming to our state, it’s critical that we ensure the workforce is ready to meet this moment and move our state into a new era of innovation.”
The facility is intended to address shortages of qualified workers in several industries by expanding training opportunities. According to Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, “Governor Hochul’s strategic investments in workforce development are building the infrastructure to ensure that New York State has the skilled workers to meet the needs of growing industries with good-paying jobs. This state-of-the-art center at Hudson Valley Community College represents the latest step in our efforts and will provide training for high-demand jobs that will grow the state’s talent pipeline and strengthen our economy.”
Roberta Reardon, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor, said: “I thank Governor Hochul for continuing to support workforce development efforts that help New Yorkers secure great paying, in-demand careers of tomorrow. The new Applied Technology Education Center will play a pivotal role in feeding a critical workforce pipeline in the region that will help keep our economy moving forward.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. highlighted recent developments: “From the recent opening of the STEM Education Center in Malta to the future Applied Technology Education Center, Hudson Valley Community College is a leader in workforce development in the Capital Region. Our nation and state depend on skilled workers to maintain a thriving economy, and now, thanks to the $40 million investment secured by Governor Hochul, Hudson Valley Community College will expand to provide even more opportunities for graduates to succeed in these in-demand careers.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees added: “Thanks to the strong support of Governor Hochul and state leaders, community colleges throughout the state are able to provide a world class education for New Yorkers to unleash their full potential. We are proud to support our community colleges in this essential effort, and we thank Governor Hochul for this investment in Hudson Valley Community College for it to be even better equipped to train the workforce of tomorrow.”
Hudson Valley Community College President Michael Brophy expressed gratitude: “We are deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, SUNY Chancellor John King, Empire State Development and all of our state and local leaders for their historic investment and recognizing the importance of the Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) to our students, workforce and economy. ATEC will train the next generation of applied technology and skilled trades workers to support industry expansion and New York State’s economic growth. It will also create greater opportunities for our dedicated faculty to support student learning and connect with under-resourced communities and teach the skills they need to fill industry gaps with well-paid, family sustaining careers.”
The new building will replace Williams Hall (built 1967) and Cogan Hall (built 1984). Construction is expected to begin this spring. In addition to funding from New York State announced today, financial support comes from federal sources including Economic Development Administration grants as well as contributions from Rensselaer County, private sector partners, and alumni donors.
Once operational, ATEC plans include increasing enrollment by 200 percent across its programs; training up to 5,000 technicians over ten years; expanding existing offerings; establishing new programs aligned with emerging industries; providing advanced certifications; offering non-credit training options; attracting technical companies seeking skilled labor; supporting recruitment; developing apprenticeships; connecting students with additional services; informing curriculum development.
Hudson Valley Community College participates as part of One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP), one of three centers eligible for up to $40 million funding through its consortium led by Center for Economic Growth.
Today’s announcement aligns with initiatives like SUNY/CUNY Reconnect Program launched after passage of FY26 Enacted Budget—enabling eligible adult learners aged 25-55 free access at all SUNY/CUNY community colleges toward degrees needed by high-demand fields.
Senator Charles Schumer commented: “This is a tremendous investment by Governor Hochul and New York State… I want to applaud Hudson Valley Community College as they embark on construction… This facility is going [to] turbocharge our regional workforce development… Last year I secured $4 million from [the] Economic Development Administration… I cannot wait [for it] being used [to] train… Capital Region workers.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “This is a tremendous investment in Hudson Valley’s future… This funding will help ensure HVCC students have skills… needed [for] high-quality jobs… I am proud [to] deliver funding … every year … continue [to] fight … pathways … high-quality jobs.”
Representative Paul Tonko stated: “Hudson Valley Community College continues … preparing Capital Region students … For years I’ve been proud … federal support … including my ongoing efforts … secure $2 million … federal funding through … Community Project Funding process … Autonomous & Electric Vehicle Lab at ATEC…. Now I’m thrilled … celebrate this groundbreaking investment ….”
State Senator Jake Ashby remarked: “This state investment is culmination … bipartisan advocacy …. innovative vision …. steadfast support …. truly transformational…. ATEC will create accessible affordable pathways …. ensure Capital Region has well-trained workforce…. generate billions …. excellent wages …. private sector investment …. residual economic impact….”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III noted: “Thank you … Governor Kathy Hochul … significant investment …. ATEC will be a state-of-the-art training center …. build skill set … address growing demand … cutting edge technology …. significant employment opportunities directly … lead economic development … growth…. proud supporter … appreciate … partners who came together….”
Capital Region Chamber/Center for Economic Growth President Mark Eagan said: “Governor Hochul/New York State leaders have made wise investment… yield new generation skilled workers… spur growth… share appreciation… vision/plan enhance education/job training…. ATEC allow college upskill current workforce… expand programming… create short-term options… recruit new talent…”
Callanan Industries Campaign Committee Chair Don Fane added: “Having spent my career… know firsthand that workforce demand is critical issue facing all employers… creation of ATEC will make major difference…”
