Rensselaer County is a Proud Sponsor of Hudson Valley Community College
Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), founded in 1953 as Hudson Valley Technical Institute, continues its admiral mission to provide hands-on, practical training to veterans, high school graduates, to those wishing to earn a cost-savings Associates Degree that can be transferred to a number of local colleges and universities, as well as to those individuals looking to update their skills to meet the needs of the ever changing economy.
As a member of the Rensselaer County Legislature’s Education Committee, I have been awed by the breadth and scope of projects undertaken and completed by HVCC in order to remain relevant to the Capital District and surrounding areas. Students receive up-to-date skills in new facilities in addition to workforce training and career preparation. Programs include health care, skilled trades, engineering, information technology, education, business, criminal justice and others.
HVCC continues to differentiate itself from other community colleges and four year schools with expert faculty and strong industry partnerships. Leaders recognize that HVCC can partner with businesses to resolve a growing demand for skilled labor. In August 2019, the $14 million advanced manufacturing center opened on HVCC’s campus and enrollment has since doubled. Many undergraduates of programs in advanced manufacturing are hired by local companies before their graduation. Some companies even contribute towards tuition expenses.
According to the Center for Economic Growth, in an analysis of post-secondary school employment outcomes for those employed five years after graduation between 2001 and 2010, HVCC had the highest post-graduate full time employment rate among local community colleges. In addition the post-graduates were living in New York State, hence driving local economic growth.
In response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2020 initiative to open workforce training centers across the state, HVCC is interested in building a work force center capable of educating thousands of welders, auto mechanics, pipe fitters and technicians and expanding automotive and fabrication programs which would allow graduates to work on electric vehicles, wind turbines, and repair machines. Gov. Cuomo’s recent announcement that millions of dollars will be invested in offshore wind projects will provide career opportunities for students trained to meet the demand. HVCC President Roger Ramsammy stated that the college excels in the training for the renewable energy field, as well as other essential trades associated with green initiatives.
As student populations continue to decrease at all schools and colleges, and programs are cut, and funding is tight, let us be reminded that our local Hudson Valley Community College remains relevant, affordable and will work with business partners to ensure that employees are trained with the necessary skill sets to meet the demands of employers in and around the Capital Region.
Cindy Doran
Rensselaer County Legislator
Deputy Minority Leader
Education Committee Member
Retired Troy High School Business Teacher and HVCC Accounting Adjunct