Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $40 million investment from New York State to build the Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) at Hudson Valley Community College. The new 125,000-square-foot facility, with a total cost of $64 million, is scheduled to open in 2027 and aims to train students for careers in fields such as building systems, automotive and transportation technologies, renewable energy, and semiconductor manufacturing.
“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,” Governor Hochul said. “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 demand for workers in applied technology and skilled trades continues to grow across New York. The construction of ATEC is expected to help address worker shortages by expanding educational opportunities for students and supporting local businesses seeking qualified employees.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated: “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.”
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon added: “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. commented: “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 expressed appreciation: “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 said: “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 the industry gaps with well-paid, family sustaining careers.”
The new center will feature specialized labs equipped with modern tools intended for current industry standards. It replaces two older campus buildings—Williams Hall (built 1967) and Cogan Hall (built 1984). Construction is planned for spring 2026.
Funding sources include not only New York State but also contributions from federal agencies like Economic Development Administration as well as Rensselaer County government plus private partners.
Once operational by 2027, ATEC expects its programs’ enrollment capacity could increase by up to 200 percent over current levels; it plans on training approximately 5,000 technicians over ten years while launching new courses relevant for emerging industries.
Hudson Valley Community College also participates as part of regional advanced manufacturing partnerships designed both for direct career training at facilities like ATEC itself once completed.
This initiative aligns with other statewide programs such as SUNY/CUNY Reconnect which enables eligible adults aged 25-55 tuition-free access at public community colleges across New York—a program which has seen over 16,500 applicants since launch.
Senator Charles Schumer stated: “This is a tremendous investment by Governor Hochul and New York State, and I want to applaud Hudson Valley Community College as they embark on the construction of the Applied Technology Education Center – ATEC building. This facility is going to turbocharge our regional workforce development of skilled trades from construction to automotive to our burgeoning semiconductor industry and more. Last year, I secured $4 million from the Economic Development Administration for this project, and I cannot wait to see it being used to train the next generation of Capital Region workers.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand remarked: “This is a tremendous investment in Hudson Valley’s future. This funding will help ensure that HVCC students have the skills and resources needed to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs in high-demand fields. I am proud to deliver funding to our state’s community colleges every year and will continue to fight to create pathways to high-quality jobs.”
Representative Paul Tonko commented: “Hudson Valley Community College continues to lead the charge in preparing Capital Region students for high-demand careers in growing local industries like renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and automotive technology. For years I’ve been proud…to secure $2 million…for…the construction of a new Autonomous & Electric Vehicle Lab at [ATEC]. Now…I’m thrilled…to celebrate this groundbreaking investment…that underscores our shared commitment…”
State Senator Jake Ashby noted: “…ATEC will create accessible affordable pathways…ensure…the well-trained workforce we need…generate billions…in excellent wages…private sector investment…residual economic impact…”
Assemblymember John T McDonald III added: “…ATEC will be a state-of-the-art training center…on cutting edge technology…significant employment opportunities directly…but it also leads economic development…”
Capital Region Chamber/Center Economic Growth President Mark Eagan said: “…wise investment…yield new generation skilled workers…spur growth years come…expand programming…recruit new talent…”
Callanan Industries Campaign Committee Chair Don Fane concluded: “…workforce demand is critical issue facing all employers…creation ATEC make major difference industry’s growth region…”
