ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Many high school graduates are choosing to opt out of going to traditional college and pursue learning a trade instead.

A federally funded effort in Monroe County is aiming to help students, employers and the community.

Students from the Monroe Community College Applied Technologies Center were on hand for the announcement of the expansion of the center

“We put this at the top of our list because this is such a critical positive impact that the investment can have on the future of our regional economy,” Congressmen Joe Morelle said.

Morelle was on site to announce a $3.5 million community project funding award to expand MCC’s Applied Technology Center.

“This is going to allow us to move the center for a bigger space on the main Brighton campus,” Morelle said. “And in doing that, bolster the opportunity to grow jobs to enhance the work that is being done- program offerings in fields like automotive technologies, heating ventilation and air conditioning.”

“As much as I love our Applied Technology Center, can you imagine having one over at our main campus? MCC student Justice James, 19, asked. “That’s going to be awesome. That’s going to be great.”

James is part of the heating and air conditioning program.

“Students in ATC programs will learn in simulated, real world, workplace enrollments while earning industry-recognized credentials in advanced manufactures, automotive technology, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and more,” MCC President DeAnna Burt-Nanna said.

It’s an option for students who can’t or don’t want to face the expenses of attending traditional college. It comes at a time when college student loan debt is at an all-time high.

“The larger question of college affordability is something we have to address,” Morelle said. “And even the decision to try to figure out how we restructure or eliminate student debt, it really is a short-term solution if it happens. The real question is how do we make college more affordable for everyone, for everyone who wants to go to college?” 

James says the program here will allow him to get an affordable, debt-free education.

And he is in a position to accept a job that will pay a solid living wage when graduates.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “That’s one of the many benefits of attending college here at MCC but especially being in a major like HVAC and being over here at the ATC.” Got the most incredible professors in the world. I wouldn’t have picked anything else.”

The expansion is expected to be completed in 2026.