UTICA, NY – In a continued effort to strengthen ties and expand educational opportunities for students, SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) Presidents Winston Soboyejo and Randall J. VanWagoner announced at the Feb. 13 “Poly at MVCC Day” that they are deepening their partnership through new initiatives designed to promote seamless academic transfer, foster career development, and support the regional economy.
Key areas of collaboration include the integration of a dedicated transfer track in Open Houses at both institutions, sustained marketing campaigns to promote academic pathways, and the establishment of a SUNY Poly office on MVCC’s campus. Additionally, “MVCC at Poly” and “Poly at MVCC” events will further promote cross-campus engagement, with the next event scheduled for April 25.
The institutions are also working together to identify shared employer partners, such as Indium Corporation, AIS, Wolfspeed, Danfoss, Micron, Griffiss Institute, Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), Rome Health, and Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) to offer students well defined career pathways that meet local workforce needs. By sharing resources and expertise, both institutions aim to provide enhanced access to internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities.
“Our partnership with MVCC exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing educational opportunities and workforce development for the Mohawk Valley,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “By fostering seamless pathways to higher education, expanding joint initiatives, and strengthening connections with regional partners, we are empowering students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. Together, SUNY Poly and MVCC are driving innovation, enhancing access to education, and contributing to the long-term success of our community.”
“In partnership with SUNY Poly, MVCC is committed to enhancing pathways that empower students to pursue their academic and career dreams,” said MVCC President Randall J. VanWagoner, Ph.D. “Through joint initiatives like Path to Poly and Poly Promise, strategic partnerships with local employers, and high-impact models like Free FastTrack and apprenticeships, we are not only preparing students for the workforce but also strengthening the ties between education and industry to help our students pursue quality jobs with family-sustaining wages, enabling them to thrive long after graduation.”
Additional initiatives include further collaboration on the annual CNY Hackathon event, which fosters interest in cybersecurity and computer science, as well as joint efforts on accelerator activities and business incubator grants through local organizations. Additionally, SUNY Poly and MVCC will collaborate on AI initiatives that elevate research, teaching and learning, and societal advancement.
SUNY Poly and MVCC remain committed to enhancing educational access, workforce development, and student success through these growing collaborations.
