Delegates said the new funding will significantly strengthen the Western New York State Technical Workforce Training Center at Niagara University and bring new job opportunities to Niagara and neighboring Erie and Orleans counties. Says.
The EDA grant is based on $1.4 million, and Schumer, Gillibrand and Higgins helped secure a fiscal year 2023 year-end spending package to accelerate the creation of a new academic innovation hub
Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins: EDA Investments in Niagara University Matter Win-Win-Win, promotion of human resource development, creation of employment, strengthening of local economy
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Brian Higgins today announced that Niagara University will commit $1.3 million through the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to strengthen workforce development in western New York. announced it had received a grant. The investment, which representatives helped secure Niagara, will transform a dilapidated university building into a state-of-the-art workforce that offers education in data analytics, cybersecurity, supply chain management and other high-demand areas. The funds will be used to renovate the training center. fields.
“Niagara University is a leader in strengthening the tech workforce in western New York and is committed to providing its staff with the skills and resources to secure the high-paying jobs that will build America’s future here in WNY. We are proud to offer a massive $10,000 federal investment.” Senator Schumer said. “This new funding will help Niagara University transform its aging university buildings into state-of-the-art workforce training centers to meet the needs of rapidly growing industries throughout western New York. Building on the $1.4 million we set aside last year to kick-start the project, investing now in tomorrow’s workforce is critical to our future success, and we hope that these federal funds will flow into the states. And the future looks brighter than ever for western New York.”
“It is imperative that New York workers have the skills and resources they need to secure stable, high-paying jobs in high-demand sectors. Announcing this funding to serve as a gateway to new businesses and to continue building a strong and dynamic workforce in New York State I am proud to be able to do it.” said Senator Gillibrand.
“For all Western New Yorkers, investing in a more promising future starts with improving access to careers and technical training that support high-demand jobs.” Higgins said.. “Thanks to federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Development, Niagara University will provide community education opportunities in high-demand areas such as information technology, early childhood education, and supply chain management at our new academic innovation hub in the City of Niagara Falls. This investment will benefit local employers and job seekers by expanding our skilled workforce and creating jobs that support the needs of the economy.”
“Building on the momentum happening in Niagara Falls, our vision is to leverage university faculty and student resources to engage with residents and create opportunities for growth in our communities.” Niagara University President Reverend James J. Maher, CM said:. “Through this funding from EDA, as well as significant federal and state funding, the Academic Innovation Hub will align existing academic programs and efforts to bring economic, workforce and social development to the Bridge District of Niagara Falls. I would like to thank Senators Charles Schumer, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Brian Higgins for their continued support of this project and the mission of Niagara University. .”
The investment builds on the $1.4 million that Schumer, Gillibrand and Higgins helped secure Niagara University in their 2023 omnibus year-end spending package. The funding helped revitalize the project to complete an academic innovation hub in downtown Niagara Falls. The hub will serve as an educational space for the community, offering residents the opportunity to participate in speaker events, concerts, art shows, and community gatherings. It also helps strengthen local workforce development opportunities, early childhood education, and other educational programs, enabling underserved residents to secure jobs and advance their careers with industry-recognized qualifications. You can.
Niagara University requested this funding from EDA to support the renovation of the two-story facility that will become the Academic Innovation Hub (AIH). Located in the City of Niagara Falls, the facility supports local workforce development and allows Niagara Falls residents to receive workforce training in their own neighborhoods. The final facility will consist of two academic classrooms, a conference room, and a computer/technology lab. The renovated lower level AIH will house workforce development programs for career training certification in information technology, early childhood education, and supply chain management.
Niagara University students can choose from a variety of micro-courses, as well as creditless short courses in IT and other career advancement skills areas available to community members. These courses support vertical career mobility, lead to industry qualifications, and prepare students for a variety of in-demand career opportunities. The pipeline programs were selected to fit not only his NYSDOL labor market analysis of high-demand occupations, but also the Regional Economic Development Council’s priority occupations. According to a labor market analysis data set compiled by Invest Buffalo Niagara, Niagara County, neighboring Erie and Orleans counties, and all of western New York state have many local, high-paying job opportunities. .
