MCC Daily Tribune

County Executive Bello Announces Proposal for $35M MCC Applied Technology Education Center

During his 2022 State of the County Address, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello proposed construction of a $35 million MCC Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) with design work to begin this year on the Brighton Campus. The proposal will be presented to the County Legislature for consideration.

The ATEC project would move critical technology programs from MCC's current facility on West Henrietta Road and house them in a state-of-the-art center connecting them with the college's science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs. ATEC would continue offering career programs that train students at the current MCC site: in automotive technology; precision machining; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

"Skilled trades workers are in short supply. The economy needs them now and companies are willing to pay good money for that," County Executive Bello said. "With the new solar lab, the ATEC would offer training in burgeoning fields like solar photovoltaic panel installer, solar energy installation manager, and service technician. The anticipated infrastructure investment made by government and private sector will require skilled workers to build our future."

The County Executive said the ATEC facility builds on the momentum of the new Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center, housed on MCC's Downtown Campus, continuing a shared focus on training and educating people for high-demand jobs that exist today.

Other highlights from the State of the County Address, held on MCC's Brighton Campus on Thursday (May 12):

-- County Executive Bello opened his address with a story spotlighting his wife, Meghan. She began her college journey at MCC and as of last year is now doctor of education. "Megan's story is just one of thousands of dreams that are made true here at MCC -- the first step in her journey that's culminated with her serving as a school principal."

-- Since its inception in 2020, Mpower has enrolled more than 1,700 participants. Mpower is a partnership between the county and MCC that responds to the need to grow the local workforce, particularly in the health care field. Through Mpower, students receive income assistance with child care, transportation and other needs while completing their training and education toward a career as a certified nurse assistant, licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.

Among the program's 1,700 participants are MCC students/CNAs-in-training Krystina Brown and Troy Kinsey. Both were recognized by the County Executive and featured in a video in which the students shared how educational access and opportunity are transforming their lives.

-- Young Adult Manufacturing Training Employment Program (YAMTEP), a pilot program that recruits, trains and connects individuals with employment, "moving our young people from poverty to prosperity."

-- Rochester Emerging Talent and Innovations Network (RETAIN), a pilot program that provides a $2,000 bonus to graduates with a four-year degree in high-demand fields if they live and work in Monroe County for at least a year.

-- "MCC is a step forward for all who attend whether they're seeking certification as skilled technicians, trades people or nurses ... whether they enroll later in life seeking to change careers or start on a path toward advanced professional degrees."

A recording of the State of the County Address is available on Monroe County's website.

Caption: MCC's CNA students and program staff with President Burt-Nanna at Thursday's address. Krystina Brown is shown at the bottom left; Troy Kinsey at the top left. Photo was taken by Dr. Marcy Lynch, director of health care programs at the Downtown Campus.

Attached Files:
MCC CNA students with President Burt-Nanna.jpg

Hency Yuen-Eng
Community Relations
05/13/2022