Breaking Down Barriers to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce
The Mohawk Valley is writing a new chapter in economic opportunity. The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (MVREDC) has launched a groundbreaking $10 million workforce initiative that’s already changing lives across six counties. But this isn’t just another government program—it’s a revolution in how America approaches job training and community empowerment.
Empire State Development announced on February 12, 2025, that twelve organizations will share the funding through the Mohawk Valley Empowers program. This three-year initiative, launched by Governor Kathy Hochul in April 2024, represents more than money—it’s hope for families and communities that have watched opportunities slip away.
Why the Mohawk Valley Needs This Now
The numbers tell a stark story. Since 2011, the Mohawk Valley’s workforce participation rate has flatlined below 60 percent. Even more troubling, 74 percent of working-age residents lack bachelor’s degrees, creating barriers to higher-paying careers.
“We’re investing in people and in the future of our region,” said MVREDC Co-Chair Dr. Marion Terenzio, President of SUNY Cobleskill, reflecting the sentiment behind this historic investment.
This isn’t just about filling job openings. The initiative targets manufacturing, cybersecurity, and semiconductor fields—industries experiencing explosive growth as America reshores critical production. Companies like Wolfspeed have already invested billions in the region, creating demand for skilled workers that traditional training programs couldn’t meet.
Community-Driven Solutions That Work
Programs That Meet People Where They Are
The genius of Mohawk Valley Empowers lies in its grassroots approach. Rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions, the program emerged from collaboration among 22 nonprofit partners, nine colleges, and industry experts across six counties.
Mohawk Valley Community College leads the charge with $2.3 million for Fast Track Plus. This isn’t your typical community college program. MVCC will expand its successful Fast Track model to partner schools while introducing “Whole Family Education”—providing dinner and childcare for single parents attending evening classes. This holistic approach recognizes that career barriers often extend far beyond skills training.
SUNY Cobleskill’s Institute for Rural Vitality received $2.6 million to revolutionize agricultural sustainability. They’ll support 60 agribusinesses in developing 90 new products while providing micro-credentials to nearly 6,000 individuals. This program proves that workforce development can strengthen entire economic sectors.
Breaking Down Traditional Barriers
Supporting Our Most Vulnerable Communities
The initiative’s commitment to equity shines through programs targeting traditionally underserved populations.
ARC Lexington secured $977,000 to expand education and careers for people with disabilities. Their micro-credential program combines SUNY curriculum with soft skills instruction, creating comprehensive job readiness for students with diverse abilities.
The Center (formerly Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees) received $360,000 to make Fast Track programs accessible to refugee and immigrant communities. By providing English language support wrapped around technical training, the program creates pathways for New Americans to contribute their skills to local industries.
Hartwick College’s EmpowerU program earned $190,000 to offer college and workforce training for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This two-year program partners with regional businesses to ensure graduates find meaningful employment in key sectors.
Innovation Meets Industry Demand
Building Tomorrow’s Tech Workforce
The program recognizes that modern workforce development requires modern approaches.
Griffiss Institute’s $550,000 MV Simulcamp brings STEM education to four locations across the Mohawk Valley. This isn’t just summer camp—it’s strategic workforce pipeline development. By introducing 400 students annually to coding, chemistry, biology, aerospace, and drone technology, the program plants seeds for future innovation.
What’s Upstate NY, the regional recruitment initiative, received $260,000 to attract national talent. Their data-driven digital marketing campaign will target professionals in other states who might never have considered the Mohawk Valley’s opportunities.
Addressing Fundamental Needs
Childcare and Language Barriers
Two programs tackle often-overlooked barriers to employment:
Montgomery County IDA’s $270,000 Child Care Expansion will establish ten new Family Child Care facilities in high-need areas. This directly addresses workforce participation challenges faced by single parents and commuting families.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County’s $246,000 Contractor English Program serves non-native English speakers with six months of general English training followed by specialized construction industry vocabulary. Students are matched with contractor partners, ensuring immediate employment pathways.
Political Support Spans the Spectrum
Bipartisan Recognition of Economic Impact
The initiative has drawn praise from lawmakers across party lines, reflecting its practical focus on economic development.
“The Mohawk Valley Empowers program supports and strengthens the local workforce while meeting the needs of key industries in the region,” said Senator Joseph Griffo. “This funding will help to grow job opportunities and address workforce development challenges in the Mohawk Valley.”
Assemblyman Brian Miller emphasized the broader economic impact: “Workforce development is key to strengthening our local economy and ensuring that businesses have access to skilled workers. These investments through the Mohawk Valley Empowers program will provide real opportunities for individuals and families.”
Why This Model Matters Beyond New York
Lessons for National Workforce Policy
Mohawk Valley Empowers offers a blueprint for addressing America’s skills gap. The program’s success stems from several key principles:
Community-Driven Solutions: Rather than top-down mandates, solutions emerged from local collaboration and needs assessment.
Wraparound Services: Recognizing that career barriers often include childcare, transportation, and language challenges.
Equity Focus: Prioritizing historically underrepresented groups while serving all community members.
Industry Alignment: Training directly connected to regional economic development and employer needs.
Innovation Integration: Using technology and modern approaches to engage diverse learners.
Real Impact, Measurable Results
Programs Launch This Fall
The initiative isn’t waiting for bureaucracy. New training programs launch this fall, with funding rounds continuing through September 2025. The program’s rapid implementation reflects both urgent community needs and strong institutional partnerships.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight emphasized the statewide significance: “Through the Mohawk Valley Empowers program, we are making strategic investments in programs that are tackling the unique workforce development challenges of the region to create new opportunities for more New Yorkers to succeed in the 21st century economy.”
Looking Forward: A Model for America
Building Sustainable Economic Growth
Mohawk Valley Empowers represents more than workforce development—it’s community revitalization. By connecting job training with childcare, language support with technical skills, and individual advancement with regional economic growth, the program creates multiplier effects that strengthen entire communities.
The initiative’s focus on equity ensures that economic growth benefits everyone, not just those with existing advantages. Programs for people with disabilities, refugees, and rural communities prove that inclusive economic development isn’t just morally right—it’s economically smart.
As semiconductor manufacturing returns to American shores and advanced manufacturing experiences renaissance, regions like the Mohawk Valley are positioning themselves as essential partners in national competitiveness. But success requires more than tax incentives and infrastructure—it demands investment in people.
Your Next Step: Join the Movement
The Mohawk Valley Empowers initiative proves that with strategic investment, community collaboration, and commitment to equity, regions can transform their economic futures. Whether you’re seeking job training, looking to relocate for career opportunities, or interested in supporting workforce development, the Mohawk Valley offers concrete pathways to success.
Visit the MVREDC website for application details and upcoming events. The future of work is being built in communities like the Mohawk Valley—communities ready to empower everyone to succeed.
As Co-Chairs Lawrence T. Gilroy III and Dr. Marion Terenzio noted: “The programs and partners awarded funding through Mohawk Valley Empowers reflects the breadth of our regional strengths as well as our continued commitment to opening doors to new opportunities.”
The question isn’t whether this model will work—it’s already working. The question is which communities will be next to embrace this comprehensive approach to workforce development and economic empowerment.
