Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center to Support Local Employment Efforts with Bank of America Grant
October 11, 2022
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Monroe Community College Foundation has received a $250,000 grant from Bank of America for further development of the newly launched Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center, housed on Monroe Community College’s Downtown Campus. Focused on reversing the skills shortage in the Finger Lakes region, the FWD Center aims to increase the number of area students completing career technical education, with support from partners like Bank of America.
From left are Cathy Brown-Butler, senior vice president, Bank of America; Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, president, Monroe Community College; Colleen Matteson, Rochester market president, Bank of America; Kristina Dengler, senior vice president and Rochester market executive, Bank of America; Lori Van Dusen, chair, MCC Foundation Board of Directors; and Gretchen Wood, vice president, Institutional Advancement and executive director, MCC Foundation.
The grant enables MCC and FWD Center partners to build a storefront experience to orient and admit students and community partners to the apprenticeship program operations located on the fifth floor of the facility. The FWD Center aims to bolster student recruitment efforts and address employment needs of residents — especially those in low-income, underrepresented households — that lead to high-demand, family-sustaining careers.
“Bank of America is committed to connecting individuals to jobs and helping local economies, like Rochester’s, grow and evolve,” said Colleen Matteson, president of Bank of America Rochester. “The Monroe Community College Foundation and the new Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center represent key players in building a more equitable, diverse, and job-ready talent pool in Rochester and beyond. Dedicating resources to technical training and education will help create and sustain career pathways for generations to come, and we look forward to witnessing the MCC Foundation’s continued impact here in Rochester.”
The goal of the FWD Center is to increase the region’s pool of skilled technicians for occupations involving robotics/automation, mechatronics, skilled trades, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Career pathways and job placement services at the FWD Center are aligned with workforce demands of high-need industry sectors in the region. The FWD Center anticipates training at least 2,500 students within the next three years.
“The Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center is focused on opening doors for residents seeking fast-track training and job-placement services that lead to in-demand, technology-oriented employment while positioning them for further training to advance their career,” said MCC President Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna. “MCC is grateful to Bank of America for its support of our students and our vision to create economic opportunities for residents across all ZIP codes in our region. Our strong alliance reflects our collective commitment to transforming lives and building stronger, more inclusive communities as we inspire the way forward.”
“As the community’s college, MCC has a 60-year track record of meeting the ever-changing needs of our students and our community,” said Gretchen Wood, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the MCC Foundation. “Bank of America’s investment is in lockstep with the college’s efforts in creating life-changing opportunities that will empower future students to pursue the education they need to start rewarding careers and make a positive impact in communities throughout the Finger Lakes region.”