The Monroe County Legislature has approved $35 million in funds to build a new Applied Technologies Center. The site will be located at Monroe Community College’s Brighton campus, replacing an outdated facility on West Henrietta Road, officials say.
The Brighton location aims to connect ATC students with MCC’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics program. The Applied Technologies Center offers practical, hands-on training toward a certificate or associate degree in various fields of trade.
“The four pillars of building Monroe County’s future are public safety, public health, economic/workforce development and infrastructure,” says Adam Bello, Monroe County executive. “The new ATC facility builds on our county’s ongoing efforts to train people for high-demand jobs such as automotive technician, precision tooling, heating, ventilating and air conditioning technician, and solar panel technician.”
Skilled-trades workers are in short supply, he adds.
“Our economy needs them, and companies are willing to pay good money for them,” Bello says.
“This new center will give students practical, hands-on training and help accelerate the availability of workers our economy needs to thrive.”
In its 2021 Facilities Master Plan, the county recommended relocating ATC to Brighton to better integrate technical programs with academic offerings. Significant deferred maintenance costs at the existing facility made it clear that a new ATC would be a more efficient and cost-effective solution, opening up opportunities for MCC, the county says.
The County Legislature’s vote Tuesday night was unanimous, authorizing the county to enter into a contract with the state Dormitory Authority to purchase fixtures and equipment for the project. The State University of New York will reimburse the county for one-half of all project costs.
“Thanks to Monroe County’s investment in technological innovation, education and training, more Monroe Community College students will have opportunities to learn in simulated real-world environments and earn industry-recognized credentials in high-demand career fields,” says MCC President DeAnna Burt-Nanna.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. The Beacon welcomes comments from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name.
Rochester!! You are so very close to doing things right and doing the right thing. That said, you are one item short of getting the picture. One more step and you’re on to the problem. Let me ask you a question? If a student drops out of school and ends up in the streets (Which is thee problem with all the gun violence etc.) how does that child, how does 50% of the City School districts drop outs get to MCC? You need to be a high school graduate to get into MCC. So you need to hone in on graduating these potential dropout. You need to get their attention, show them the opportunities, guide them to the professions and careers, get them hooked on the “cool” stuff. Graduate them to a living wage life. So, nice going with the new Center, but now graduate the RCSD kids, which will allow them to gain this opportunity. You are so close,…but as you know, close only counts with Bocce Ball and hand grenades. Come-on RCSD, you can do this!!! Make that obvious discovery!!