Adam Bello joins leaders to break ground on new RochesterWorks Career Center at Monroe Community College

Monroe County, New York – Construction is officially underway on a new workforce development hub at Monroe Community College’s Downtown Campus, where local, state, and federal leaders gathered to celebrate the start of a project they say will strengthen career training, expand employment opportunities, and better connect job seekers with employers across the Rochester region.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello joined Monroe Community College President Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Congressman Joe Morelle, RochesterWorks CEO Dave Seeley, Empire State Development Vice President Vinnie Esposito, and members of the New York State Legislature for the groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of work on the RochesterWorks Career Center.

The project represents a $14.5 million investment that will transform part of MCC’s Downtown Campus into a modern workforce development center. Once completed, the facility will span approximately 24,000 square feet and bring together career services, workforce training, educational resources, and employer connections under one roof.

Officials believe housing these services in a single location will make it easier for residents to move through every stage of the employment process—from exploring career options and learning new skills to finding stable, long-term jobs.

County Executive Bello described the project as an important milestone for Monroe County’s workforce development efforts, emphasizing that the partnership combines the strengths of two organizations with long histories of serving local residents.

“With the opening of the RochesterWorks Career Center we are bringing together two of our region’s finest organizations for a collaborative effort that will enhance workforce development by improving career readiness and connecting students and employers in high demand fields,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to Dave Seely for investing in job training that strengthens in our community. Thank you to Dr. Deanna R. Burt-Nanna for your partnership. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Morelle, and our state delegation for their continued support expanding economic opportunity throughout Monroe County.”

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The new center is expected to strengthen collaboration between Monroe Community College and RochesterWorks by allowing students, job seekers, employers, and workforce professionals to access a broad range of services in one convenient setting. Leaders say this integrated approach should reduce barriers for individuals seeking employment while helping businesses connect with qualified workers.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said the initiative reflects broader statewide efforts to prepare New Yorkers for careers in industries that continue to grow and evolve.

“Our support for the RochesterWorks and Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center at MCC’s downtown campus will further strengthen the critical workforce development efforts underway in the region, helping to advance Governor Hochul’s broader statewide goals. This innovative and collaborative initiative will offer job seekers convenient access to training opportunities that promote pathways to promising professional careers.”

RochesterWorks serves as Monroe County’s workforce development board and provides free employment assistance, career counseling, job training resources, and hiring support for residents throughout the county. The nonprofit organization also works closely with businesses by offering recruitment assistance and helping employers secure workforce-related grants and resources.

According to RochesterWorks CEO Dave Seeley, relocating the organization’s Comprehensive One-Stop Career Center to the Downtown Campus will improve access for both employers and individuals looking for work while strengthening an already successful partnership with Monroe Community College.

“RochesterWorks is excited to break ground on our new Comprehensive One-Stop Career Center at Monroe Community College’s Downtown Campus,” said Dave Seeley, CEO of RochesterWorks. “This new location will make our services more accessible to both job seekers and employers while strengthening our partnership with MCC. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or are an experienced worker seeking new skills and career opportunities, this facility will create a seamless pathway from career exploration and training to employment. We are grateful to the many public and private partners whose generous investments are making this project possible and helping us create what will be the premier One-Stop Career Center in New York State.”

College officials said the project builds upon Monroe Community College’s longstanding commitment to workforce education and community partnerships. The Downtown Campus already serves as an important location for career-focused education, and the addition of the RochesterWorks Career Center is expected to expand those opportunities even further.

MCC President Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna said the facility will benefit not only students but also businesses and the wider regional economy.

“The RochesterWorks Career Center represents an important opportunity to build upon the robust workforce ecosystem MCC has developed at our Downtown Campus, reinforcing the College’s position as both a community convener and a leader in workforce development. It exemplifies the power of collaboration, with an impact that will extend across the region by strengthening workforce resilience, advancing business success, and fueling economic growth. Above all, it will help transform lives and catalyze bright futures for our community and its residents,” said Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Monroe Community College President.

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Federal support played a significant role in bringing the project to life. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer secured $1.6 million in federal funding to help finance the development, saying the investment will create a clearer pathway for residents seeking better employment opportunities.

“For anyone trying to start a career, change jobs, or earn more, the hardest part shouldn’t be figuring out where to start. The RochesterWorks Career Center at MCC’s Downtown Campus will change that, and I’m proud to have secured $1.6 million in federal investment to help make it happen,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “By combining MCC’s educational expertise with RochesterWorks’ deep connections to local employers, this project will connect talent with opportunity. This center will help more Rochesterians gain in-demand skills, land good-paying jobs, and build careers that support their families, while giving local businesses access to the workforce they need to grow.”

Congressman Joe Morelle also highlighted the benefits of placing workforce services and higher education together in one location, saying it will simplify the process for people seeking new careers or additional training.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a rewarding career and provide for their family. Bringing Monroe Community College and RochesterWorks together under one roof will make it easier for students, job seekers, and employers to connect with the training, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Congressman Morelle. “I’m grateful to Monroe Community College, RochesterWorks, and all of our partners for their leadership in making this vision a reality, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this new career center will have on our community.”

The Career Center is being financed through a partnership involving Monroe County, New York State, RochesterWorks, and federal funding secured by Senators Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand along with Congressman Morelle. Officials say the collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to investing in workforce development and creating long-term economic opportunities throughout the Finger Lakes region.

When completed, the center is expected to serve people at every stage of their careers. Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, pursuing additional education, changing professions, or looking to upgrade their skills, the facility will offer guidance, training resources, employment services, and direct connections with employers seeking qualified workers.

Project leaders believe the centralized model will also strengthen relationships with local industries by making it easier for businesses to recruit talent while ensuring training programs remain aligned with current workforce needs.

Construction is expected to continue over the next two years, with the RochesterWorks Career Center scheduled to welcome students, job seekers, employers, and community members in the fall of 2027. Once its doors open, officials hope the new facility will become a cornerstone of workforce development in Monroe County, helping residents build successful careers while supporting the continued growth of the region’s economy.