Governor Hochul Announces More Than $15 Million Awarded to 13 Workforce Development Projects

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $15 million has been awarded to 13 workforce development projects across nine regions through Empire State Development's Office of Strategic Workforce Development. These grants will support the training of more than 5,700 New Yorkers through collaboration between training providers and more than 40 employer partners in high demand fields such as construction and advanced manufacturing. Through nine rounds of funding, more than $83 million has been awarded to 91 projects through the Office to support training for over 20,000 New Yorkers.

"Reshaping New York's approach to workforce training has been a pillar of my economic development strategy - and we're seeing the results," Governor Hochul said. "By working with employers in target industries, more New Yorkers are learning the skills needed for high-demand jobs, while receiving the support they need to promote greater success. These projects represent an investment in New Yorkers and the future of our state's economy."

Governor Hochul first established the Office of Strategic Workforce Development at ESD in April 2022 to support industry-driven workforce programs to ensure that more New Yorkers have the skills for in-demand jobs that pay a living wage in the state's high-growth industries. Pay for Performance (P4P) Operating Grants offer flexible funding to help providers cover programmatic expenses like curriculum development and wraparound services to prepare New Yorkers with in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials. Workforce Development (WFD) Capital Grants support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. These programs allow training providers to expand the capacity of successful programs with high placement rates and effective wraparound services.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Developing and building our skilled workforce to meet the demands of high-growth industries has been a priority of Governor Hochul's administration. Through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, we continue to invest in projects and programs that will further grow the statewide capacity to train more New Yorkers in the jobs of tomorrow."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "The funds awarded today are a win for workers and employers. High-demand industries require cutting edge skills, and these grant programs will help bring innovative training programs to more New Yorkers. I applaud Governor Hochul for her continued investment into the state's future, and the Department stands ready to address critical workforce needs in today and tomorrow's fast-growing sectors."

Round 9 awardees:

• University at Buffalo Business Entrepreneur Partnerships - Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, Western New York - $3.7 Million P4P Operating Grant: The University at Buffalo will work with a consortium of five BOCES districts to establish a new, interconnected network of Career Centers at each campus and better connect with industry partners to increase direct job placements. The project will strengthen BOCES' existing organizational and educational infrastructure while modernizing career services and employer coordination. Additionally, new performance tracking will help to increase the number of trainees directly entering the workforce by providing personal case management and career services to participants. New data collection methods will create a standardized system to track post-graduation wage and employment outcomes. The project will also result in a data-driven Career Center Blueprint and replication toolkit with potential for scaling the program to BOCES statewide.
• STRIVE International, Inc. - New York City - $2 Million P4P Operating Grant: Funding will support STRIVE's Pathways to Possibilities program, a two-tiered construction career development initiative serving East Harlem and Brooklyn. The grant will enable the continuation of the existing Tier 1 program, which provides basic career readiness and occupational skills training to prepare for entry-level construction field work, as well as implementation of the new Tier 2 program called STRIVEForward+. This pilot program would provide Tier 1 alumni with the opportunity to upskill and earn advanced credentials to prepare for higher-wage leadership and specialized roles. STRIVE supports trainees with lifetime case management, including career coaching, transportation assistance, and stipends distributed both during training and as retention incentives post-placement.
• Dutchess Community College - Mid-Hudson - $1.99 Million P4P Operating Grant: Funding will help to expand microcredential pathways for electrical, advanced manufacturing, and HVAC careers at the new Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation (COEBII) in Fishkill. Developed in partnership with Dutchess County and reutilizing space in an abandoned mall - made possible with capital support from ESD and SUNY's Future of Work Center - DCC will expand credentialing opportunities by supporting instructor training and certification to provide more varied and advanced modules in advanced manufacturing and clean technology. Trainees are supported via case management, stipends, transportation assistance and academic assistance, including job placement assistance with a strong network of industry partners.
• Nassau BOCES - Long Island - $1.88 Million P4P Operating Grant: Funding will support the development of a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and expanded welding programs to supplement recent physical upgrades to the training space supported in part by the US Navy. These upgrades were designed to directly address workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries, which are critical to Long Island's economy and national security. The project serves the local manufacturing supply chain of more than 300 local partners, with training supporting traditional high-school pathways along with introductory adult education and incumbent worker upskilling.
• Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES - Finger Lakes - $1.2 Million WFD Capital Grant: Funding will support renovations and upgrades at Finger Lakes Technical and Career Center and Wayne Technical and Career Center to provide more space for electrical trades and carpentry programs, bringing facilities up to industry standards and expanding capacity for hands-on training opportunities. Programs are developed and implemented in partnership with Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity to increase the supply of affordable housing while providing participants National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credentialed training and hands-on experience in the field.
• Mosholu Montefiore Community Center - New York City - $738,675 P4P Operating Grant: Funding will help expand the new Green Construction Craft Laborer program at MMCC following a successful pilot cohort. The program features four weeks of intensive introductory and job readiness training followed by 12 weeks of industry skills training utilizing NCCER curriculum, preparing low-income Bronx residents for well-paying careers in the fast-growing clean energy and construction sectors. Comprehensive case management and access to services are provided to participants both during training and for an additional six months during job placement services.
• Roofers Local 195 Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund - Central New York -$519,949 P4P Operating Grant and $165,234 WFD Capital Grant: Capital funding will support the renovation and expansion of Local 195's Liverpool training facility, improving the physical training environment, site access, and energy efficiency, and doubling enrollment capacity. Operating funds will assist with training and operating costs associated with increased cohort sizes, including access to wraparound supports like stipends, transportation and lodging assistance, and required tools and equipment.
• PM Excellence, LLC - Mid-Hudson - $666,950 P4P Operating Grants:Funding will support the expansion of the LADDER-NY program, which provides pathways to leadership positions in the construction industry via certification as a project manager with specialization in electrical or general construction management. The program features hands-on training, employer-aligned curriculum, job readiness preparation, and comprehensive case management and wraparound services, including weekly group coaching, access to transportation, childcare and housing assistance, and alumni retention support and upskilling for one-year after completion.
• AnnieCannons - New York City - $643,579 P4P Operating Grants: Funding will help expand the trauma-informed, survivor-centered, paid coding training program for survivors of trafficking in New York City. AnnieCannons will expand job readiness and placement services via apprenticeships to increase trainee placement into sustainable tech jobs. The program enrolls trainees as employees during training, providing access to hourly compensation and healthcare benefits while preparing survivors for careers in software development, data analysis and cybersecurity. The program features comprehensive case management, mental health support, mentorship, and alumni supports and continuing education for graduates.
• Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer BOCES - North Country - $540,161 WFD Capital Grant: Funding will support the purchase of virtual reality simulators to support the expansion of the heavy equipment operations and welding programs at the Watertown and Glenfield Technical Centers. The simulators will allow for immediate assessment of student work and reduced material costs associated with training, as well as increasing overall program capacity, addressing the urgent hiring needs of regional business partners like Micron.
• Oswego County Workforce New York - Central New York - $484,798 P4P Operating Grant: Funding will expand the Oswego Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship program following successful pilot cohorts in 2025. This project expands on the Build model of entry-level construction career training with strong ties to local union trades to include a new Energy Industry Fundamentals module in support of regional clean and nuclear energy projects. The program model features paid training aligned with North Atlantic Building Trades Union's Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), combined with comprehensive wraparound services, including career navigation, transportation and childcare assistance.
• Clinton Community College - North Country - $260,799 P4P Operating Grant: Funding will support the expansion of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing's (IAM) three-week Welding Academy to offer additional training opportunities and wraparound services, including stipends and transportation and childcare assistance. IAM has been providing welding training since 2022 with 100 percent completion and job placement rates and waitlists for each cohort. This project will double the number of yearly cohorts served, providing trained and job-ready workers for the North Country's network of more than 50 manufacturers.
• Onondaga Community College - Central New York - $216,129 WFD Capital Grant: Funding will support the purchase and installation of updated machinery and equipment at the Whitney Applied Technology Center to support delivery of stackable credentials, including a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining microcredential and a new one-year welding certificate to support the needs of the manufacturing and construction industries. The project will increase the capacity for enrollment and hands-on experiences for students and will supplement existing investments from industry partners.

State Senator April Baskin said, "Investments in workforce development are an investment in New York State's future. This funding will help connect more New Yorkers with the training, credentials, and support they need to step into good-paying, in-demand careers so they can provide for themselves and their families. The partnership between the University at Buffalo and BOCES will help expand career pathways and ensure more students can move from training into the workforce after graduation."

Senator Christopher Ryan said, "Investing in workforce development means investing in the long-term strength of our communities and our economy. As Central New York prepares for the Micron facility to open, this funding will help ensure that people throughout the region have the training, tools, and support they need to step into careers in construction and advanced manufacturing. I thank Governor Hochul for helping Central New York develop and maintain a skilled workforce and strengthening the pathway from education to good-paying careers."

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, "As our region continues to attract advanced manufacturing and fast-growing industries, we must ensure that our workforce in Central New York is growing alongside it. The funding awarded to Local 195's Liverpool training facilities and Onondaga Community College will increase enrollment capacity in related workforce development programs, offering credentials that directly open doors to new careers. Today's investments bring us closer to our goal of expanding workforce opportunities while enhancing our region's economic competitiveness. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment towards aligning workforce development efforts with twenty-first century labor needs."

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About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees theRegional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

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