April 22nd, 2025
$69 million State-of-the-Art facility will open on Brighton campus in Fall 2026
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today joined Monroe Community College (MCC) President Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Congressman Joe Morelle and members of the New York State legislature to officially break ground on the new Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at MCC’s Brighton campus, formerly called the Applied Technology Center.
The $69 million investment will create a 110,000 square foot, cutting edge facility designed to expand and elevate MCC’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs and house MCC’s first-in-the-nation Optics Systems Technology program. Once complete, the ATC will not only strengthen MCC’s capacity to deliver world-class technical education, but also bolster the region’s workforce pipeline in critical industries.
“Monroe Community College is a cornerstone of workforce development in our region. We must ensure that we continue its history of innovation and job readiness by offering top quality education in high demand fields like automotive technician, HVAC technician and our first-in-the-nation optics program,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to Dr. Deanna R. Burt-Nanna for her vision in taking MCC to the next level. Thank you to our federal representatives, Governor Hochul and our state delegation for their continued support to keep Monroe Community College as a staple of workforce development in the nation.”
“We want to thank County Executive Bello, Congressman Morelle, Governor Hochul, and other state and local leaders for their continued commitment to helping MCC remain the forerunner as a premier education and training provider for superior talent development,” said Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Monroe Community College President. “The new Advanced Technology Center is another example of how MCC is transforming lives and communities by meeting the demand for highly skilled workers in innovative fields by providing high-quality training from our dedicated faculty and staff.”
The ATC will provide students with hands-on training in a wide range of skilled trades and emerging fields. Career pathways will include automotive technology, precision tooling, HVAC service and diesel mechanics. In addition, the center will feature a new solar lab to prepare students for roles in the fast-growing renewable energy sector, including positions such as solar photovoltaic installer, solar energy installation manager and service technician.
Funding for the project comes from Monroe County, New York State, the State University of New York and a Federal HUD grant.
“The new Advanced Technology Center will provide students with hands-on training in fields that are vital to our region’s economic future. I’m proud to have secured $3.5 million in federal funding to help make this transformative project a reality,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Monroe Community College will have increased capacity to create opportunity, promote equity, and build a stronger, more resilient community. I’m grateful to County Executive Bello, Dr. Burt-Nanna, and all our partners for their efforts, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
“The Advanced Technology Center is about one very important thing: giving more people the chance to train for good-paying jobs and build a better future right here in Upstate New York,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. “With this new expansion, Monroe Community College will create more opportunity for students across Monroe County, and help meet the demand for skilled workers in industries that are growing fast. I was proud to secure $3.5 million in federal funding to help push this project across the finish line, and I applaud County Executive Bello, Dr. Burt-Nanna, and all local partners who rolled up their sleeves to make it happen.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Through our support for this important project, we are ensuring that the region's workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to compete in today's dynamic, ever- changing job market. The new Advanced Technology Center at MCC’s Brighton campus will grow a robust talent pipeline to align with employer needs, support local business development and move the innovation economy forward."
"The new Advanced Technology Center at MCC demonstrates our region's commitment to cutting-edge workforce development and education programs. Under Dr. Burt-Nanna's innovative leadership, MCC will develop world-class facilities to prepare students to meet the demands of our emerging economy. Thank you Dr. Burt-Nanna, County Executive Bello, Congressman Morelle, Governor Hochul and my partners in the State legislature. Through this investment, we are connecting students to programming and training opportunities with a direct pipeline to in-demand jobs in essential industries," said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson, Chair - Assembly Labor Committee
"Our region's designation as a federal tech hub brings with it incredible opportunity, but also a responsibility to meet the employment needs of these burgeoning industries. This new Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at MCC will allow us to expand the workforce pipeline and create a new generation of skilled workers for careers in advanced manufacturing and optics. Investment in technical education pays dividends in our community and beyond, not only by helping attract businesses seeking an upskilled workforce, but also helping people climb out of poverty and build a future, right here in Monroe County, for themselves, their families and future generations," said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford.
“With the Advanced Technology Center, Monroe Community College is cementing their role as a driver of workforce development and technological innovation in our region,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “This state-of-the-art facility will house the first of its kind Optics Systems Technology program, opening the door to in-demand jobs for students in our region. I’m grateful for the leadership of Governor Hochul, County Executive Bello, Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna, and my federal and state partners in making this project a reality and continuing our shared commitment towards economic development across Monroe County.”
“The new Advanced Technology Center at MCC will not just be an investment in a new building, but an investment in the future of New York. Investing in workforce development and cutting-edge education is essential to building a stronger, more equitable future for our community. The Advanced Technology Center will open doors to countless career opportunities for students in high-demand industries like renewable energy, precision tooling, and advanced manufacturing. By equipping students with hands-on experience and job-ready skills, this facility will empower individuals to secure well-paying jobs and strengthen our local economy for generations to come. I’m proud to support this transformative project,” said Assemblymember Demond Meeks.
“As one of the top ranked community colleges in the nation, Monroe Community College is continuously committed to huge advancements for the benefit of their current and future students. Today’s groundbreaking of the new Advanced Technology Center reflects that commitment and will provide access to state-of-the-art training and unique job opportunities for students while also strengthening our workforce and business growth for decades to come. Thank you to the whole team at MCC and the various partners in community and government for working to make this exciting day happen,” said Assemblymember Sarah Clark.
"This groundbreaking isn’t just about building a facility—it’s about building futures,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “The Advanced Technology Center (ATC) will equip students with the skills and technology they need to excel in high-demand careers, while fueling a stronger, more resilient workforce for Monroe County and beyond.”
“MCC’s Advanced Technology Center will give students practical, real-world experience in industries which are essential to the future of our local economy,” said Monroe County Legislature Majority Leader Michael Yudelson. “I’m thankful to County Executive Bello, Dr. Burt-Nanna, and all our partners for their dedication to the development of our community. This monumental investment will strengthen our region’s skilled talent, meet the demands of an ever-changing economy, drive business growth, and fuel the region for years to come.”
"Republican Legislators are proud to support investments that strengthen workforce development and prepare students for high-paying, high-demand careers," said Republican Leader Steve Brew. "This new Advanced Technology Center has the potential to help meet urgent employer needs and grow our local economy. It’s a smart step toward ensuring more students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed right here in Monroe County."
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Congratulations to Monroe Community College under the leadership of President Deanna R. Burt-Nanna. Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to MCC's work advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and workforce development, and empowering students with opportunities to achieve their academic and professional goals. SUNY and our campuses are at the forefront of offering programs that support regional economic development and students' upward mobility as a direct result of Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership and the strength of our partners.”
With construction already underway, the ATC will welcome students in Fall of 2026.
