Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 20 the groundbreaking of Dutchess Community College’s new Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation in Fishkill. The $15 million project aims to transform vacant former mall space into a training hub for advanced manufacturing, clean technology, cybersecurity, and other high-demand industries. Nearly $5 million in state investments will support the project, which is expected to serve about 450 students annually by 2030.
The initiative is designed to strengthen workforce pipelines across the Hudson Valley by providing students with skills needed for careers in rapidly growing sectors. The center will redevelop 75,500 square feet at the former Dutchess Mall into expanded facilities supporting programs such as HVAC and clean technology, construction and architecture, automotive technology, business and entrepreneurship.
“New York’s economic future depends on building strong workforce pipelines that connect New Yorkers to the jobs of tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “By transforming vacant space into a cutting-edge workforce training center, Dutchess Community College is helping create new opportunities for students, strengthen regional industries, and prepare workers for careers in rapidly growing sectors. This investment reflects our commitment to revitalizing communities while ensuring New Yorkers have the skills needed to compete in a rapidly evolving economy.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight said: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is making strategic investments that prepare communities and workers for long-term economic success. The Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation will create direct pathways to high-demand careers while supporting the industries driving growth across the Hudson Valley. By repurposing vacant commercial space into a modern workforce training hub, this project demonstrates how adaptive reuse and strong regional partnerships can expand economic opportunity and strengthen communities.”
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino highlighted past successes with similar initiatives: “DCC’s expansion of the Center of Excellence…is a testament to the success of their workforce-focused approach to learning…As COEBII expands…we are creating even more opportunities for high-paying careers in the industries that our community depends on.” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., State Senator Rob Rolison, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young also praised the collaborative effort.
The project receives funding from multiple sources including a $3 million award through Upstate Revitalization Initiative allocation as well as grants from state offices focused on strategic workforce development.
Looking ahead, Dutchess Community College President Dr. Peter Grant Jordan emphasized partnership: “Years from now…the story people tell about this place will not really be about the expansion itself. It will be about what became possible because industry partners…chose to invest in students…” Chief of Staff Susan Rogers added that previous hands-on learning spaces have quickly engaged students—this expansion aims to build further on those foundations.
