Alfred State College (ASC) has been awarded a $3 million federal Title III grant through the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen its skilled-trades programs, modernize campus technology, and expand student support services. The five-year grant includes $1,797,430 in first-year funding and will support initiatives designed to enhance hands-on learning, improve student retention and graduation rates, and prepare students for successful careers in the skilled trades.
“This $3 million investment will have a tremendous impact on our students and our ability to deliver the career-focused education that Alfred State is known for,” said Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro. “From modernizing our laboratories and classrooms with industry-standard equipment and technology to expanding academic and financial support services, this grant will provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.”
The grant focuses on three primary goals: increasing student success in skilled-trades AOS degree programs, improving technology infrastructure to enhance learning opportunities and integrate artificial intelligence (AI), and modernizing laboratories with industry-standard equipment.
This investment makes it possible to compliment over $10 million dollars of recent investments made to the Alfred State Wellsville Campus, which includes new electrical and welding laboratories, technologically advanced classrooms, heavy equipment simulators, and a new 10,000 square foot expansion to the Truck & Diesel building, which is set to be completed in the summer of 2027.
With this added support, the college will modernize its technology infrastructure by upgrading its fiber-optic network from 1G to 10G, and create ten technology-connected classrooms. These improvements will expand learning opportunities by allowing students to engage virtually with industry leaders from across the country, access national educational resources, and participate in multiple learning modalities.
A sizable portion of the grant will directly support students throughout their educational journey. Funding will add student success, financial counseling, peer tutor and supplemental instructor personnel as well as establish a lending library that will provide skilled-trades students with access to essential tools, equipment, technology, and textbooks. By reducing financial barriers and expanding access to academic resources, Alfred State aims to help more students successfully complete their degrees and enter the workforce prepared for rewarding careers.
Mauro concluded, “I applaud the hard work of our team in securing this funding and thank our collaborators and elected officials for their advocacy and support. Together, we are strengthening our skilled-trades programs and creating even greater opportunities for our students.”