Plans have been unveiled for a $15 million Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab at Onondaga Community College.
Governor Hochul made the announcement Thursday that the 5,000 sq ft facility at OCC’s Whitney Applied Technology Center will be a vital tool for training Central New York students for jobs at the semiconductor manufacturer.
“One year after Micron’s historic $100 billion investment in Central New York, these plans for a state-of-the-art simulation lab at Onondaga Community College are proof of our commitment to ensuring that the region is prepared,” Governor Hochul said. “From the launch of GO-SEMI to streamline the Micron project to securing investments in workforce, education, and child care, my administration is laying the groundwork for Micron’s highly anticipated arrival and ensuring that this project is one that moves Central New York – and all of New York State – forward.”
OCC launched two Micron-related programs this fall – an Electromechanical Technology Associate in Applied Sciences degree and an Electromechanical Technology certificate program.
The Micron mega fab campus is expected to create 50,000 jobs in Central New York and constitute a $100 billion investment by the company over the next 20-plus years. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025.
Micron Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, and President of the Micron Foundation, April Arnzen said, “We’re proud to partner with Onondaga Community College, Onondaga County and the State of New York on this opportunity to give students hands-on exposure to the careers they could pursue at Micron in the near future. Our historic plan to invest up to $100 billion to build a megafab here in Onondaga County will create nearly 50,000 New York jobs over more than 20 years – opening up opportunities for more people, including those who have been traditionally underrepresented, to fill these high-tech jobs. It’s an honor to move to the next stage of our partnership and our commitment to the community today at OCC, an institution that creates accessibility and promise, and welcomes those who may have previously been unable to pursue their passions and an education that extends the pathway to a strong career in technology.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “When Micron announced that they were going to call Onondaga County home with their historic investment at White Pine Business Park, they also promised to be true community partners in every sense of the word. From the MOST to the YWCA, Micron is not just investing in memory technology, they are investing in us as a community. Today marks another tangible example of their commitment to our community. From day one, my administration recognized the importance of this project and pledged $5 million to make it reality and we are humbled and appreciative that our partners at Micron matched that commitment with another $5 million. The future Cleanroom Simulation Laboratory at OCC will be used to help train the workforce Micron will need for generations to come and I want to thank Micron, OCC and all of the partners that helped make today possible.”
Onondaga Community College President Warren M. Hilton said, “We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in building the foundation for this momentous day. When she signed the Green CHIPS Legislation in August of 2022, it set the stage for Micron’s decision to invest $100 billion in our region which the President celebrated on our campus one year ago. Thanks to the support of New York State, Onondaga County, and Micron, we will soon have a state-of-the-art learning space on campus where students will prepare for rewarding careers in the semiconductor industry. We look forward to inviting everyone back in 2025 when we cut the ribbon on our Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab.”
