SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Board of Trustees at SUNY Schenectady County Community College passed a resolution last evening to lease space at the new Mill Artisan District at 134 State Street in downtown Schenectady,for use by the College’s popular new Craft Beer Brewing program and outstanding Culinary Arts program. The College’s new Craft Spirit Distillation program, which will begin this fall, will also utilize the new space.
The College will lease classroom and lab space in the mixed-use development, which is currently under construction just a block from the College campus. The College will be able to utilize components of the Mill Artisan District to create internship and job opportunities for students at small breweries and distilleries, tech companies and retailers that will be located on-site.
“The Mill Artisan District is a great match for our new Craft Brewing and Craft Spirit Distillation programs, and it will help our nationally-known Culinary Arts program continue to grow,” said Dr. Steady Moono, College President. “We are very pleased to become a part of this project located so close to our campus.”
“We are pleased to enter into this agreement and showcase our academic programs at the same time,” said Ann Fleming Brown, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “This on-site learning lab and classroom will keep the College at the leading edge of the fast growing culinary field while supporting the growth of our Craft Brewing and Craft Spirit Distillation programs.”
The Mill Artisan District will include large outdoor patios, 74 apartments, a café, and space for tech companies, as well as multiple brewers and craft distillers. For example, the Jahnel Group, a fast-growing software company, has signed a lease to occupy 10,000 square feet of space. The project represents a $25 million investment by developer JT Pollard.
“SUNY Schenectady County Community College is an ideal fit with the Mill Artisan District,” said JT Pollard owner, architect and developer. “To have the College’s culinary and brewing experts right on site is very exciting, while at the same time we create a talent pipeline for growing businesses with specially trained students.”
Rich Patierne, Chair of the County Legislature’s Committee on Education and Libraries, added, “As a proud sponsor of our Community College, it is so important to the Schenectady County Legislature that we increase access for our students to hands-on learning opportunities in growing and expanding industries. This space and planned partnerships with breweries in our vibrant craft brewing community will provide what I’m sure will be very popular internships leading to good paying jobs.”
About SUNY Schenectady County Community College:
One of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) enrolls more than 6,200 students annually. Located in upstate New York, SUNY SCCC offers more than 55 degree, certificate and program options. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to respond to local educational needs by providing affordable, comprehensive higher education and adult education opportunities. To learn more, visit sunysccc.edu.
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