FISHKILL, NY – April, 22 2026,– In recognition of Earth Day and the demand for clean energy careers across the Hudson Valley, Dutchess Community College (DCC) today announced a $200,000 grant from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. to support the expansion or workforce training in clean energy, building performance, and advanced manufacturing.
The investment will fund the development of a new, state-of-the-art HVAC and Building Trades Laboratory within DCC’s Center of Excellence for Business, Industry, and Innovation (COEBII) at the college’s Fishkill campus. The new lab will provide hands-on training in modern, energy-efficient technologies critical to New York State’s clean energy transition and regional economic growth.
“This investment allows us to expand career-focused, hands-on training that directly reflects the evolving needs of today’s workforce,” said Dr. Peter Grant Jordan, President of Dutchess Community College. “By connecting students with modern clean energy technologies and real-world learning environments, we’re creating clear pathways to stable, high-quality careers while supporting a more sustainable future for the Hudson Valley."
Steph Raymond, President & CEO of Central Hudson, emphasized the long-term impact of the partnership. “Building a strong, skilled workforce is essential to supporting our communities and the region’s future. Our partnership with Dutchess Community College ensures students are gaining the technical experience needed to participate in the clean energy transition while supporting long-term economic growth across the Hudson Valley.”
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino highlighted the broader regional benefits of the investment, noting, "Strong partnerships like this are how we turn opportunity into real outcomes for our community. With the launch of DCC’s HVAC and Building Trades Laboratory, building on the success of our Mechatronics Lab and Aviation Education Center, we’re creating direct pathways to in-demand, good-paying careers. Together with the college, we’re not just training for today’s jobs, we’re also preparing a skilled workforce for the future."
Many DCC graduates already go on to work at Central Hudson and other regional employers, making this investment a natural extension of a strong and growing workforce pipeline that benefits students, local industry, and the regional economy.
This facility is part of a broader expansion of DCC’s Fishkill campus, which will also support programs in Mechatronics, Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, and Construction Management. These combined investments strengthen DCC’s role as a regional leader in clean energy education, applied manufacturing, and workforce innovation.
Through this grant, the Dutchess Community College Foundation and Central Hudson are investing in students, advancing sustainability goals, and helping build a more resilient and future-ready Hudson Valley.
ABOUT DUTCHESS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college that has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education and offers one of the lowest tuition rates in New York state. The College currently has four locations including its main campus in Poughkeepsie, DCC @ Fishkill, DCC @ HVR Airport, and DCC @ the Family Partnership Center. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.
ABOUT CENTRAL HUDSON
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., is an energy delivery company headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York. The utility serves approximately 315,000 electric and 90,000 natural gas customers in eight counties of New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley, delivering natural gas and electricity in a 2,600-square-mile service territory that extends north from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City to the Capital District around Albany. Central Hudson supports local community service and business organizations, and offers value-added products and services, including energy efficiency and economic development programs. For more information, visit www.CentralHudson.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, keep up with our adventures on Instagram, learn about our achievements on LinkedIn, and follow us on X.
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