30-04-2025
Jefferson Community College gets $4 million grant for training center
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – Jefferson Community College is getting a boost to help its drive for a new vocational training center to help soldiers after their military career concludes.
Empire State Development announced on Tuesday that JCC will be getting $4 million towards its $13 million Next Move NY Vocational Training and Job Readiness Center. This facility will help increase offerings at the college for Fort Drum soldiers and spouses transitioning out of the military.
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A second grant of $600,000 also awarded to Advocate Drum, the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization for Next Move NY Live, Love, Stay Program that will hopefully encourage people to stay in the north country and seek employment in their post-military careers.
ESD and the North Country Regional Economic Development Council are working hard to build a workforce pipeline for transitioning Fort Drum soldiers to New York's job market. These awards to JCC's Next Move NY Vocational Training and Job Readiness Facility and Advocate Drum's Next Move NY Live, Love, Stay Program will help keep veterans in New York State, fuel economic growth and open new opportunities in the region.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight
The vocational center would establish a hub for training and allow Jefferson CC to offer new, high-demand programming in engineering technology, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing and the skilled trades.
The renovated facility and investment will also enable JCC to develop educational programs in critical workforce and trade skills areas, addressing the needs of regional employers, while supporting transitioning military members and their families.
We are honored to receive this significant support through the Next Move NY initiative,' JCC President Dan Dupee said. 'This investment will allow us to establish a state-of-the-art Job Readiness Facility dedicated to supporting Fort Drum soldiers, veterans, and their families as they transition to civilian life.'
Dupee added, 'We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, the Governor's Office, and the North Country Regional Economic Development Council for this incredible opportunity and for selecting our proposal among so many strong submissions. This facility will not only strengthen our college but also bolster the regional workforce and create new pathways for success in high-demand careers.'
According to Empire State Development, the area is facing a severe shortage of workers and tapping into Fort Drum's 15,000 current active-duty service members could help deal with that shortfall.
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