New York State Senator Mary Lou Rath (R,C,I - Williamsville) has secured a $100,000 grant for Erie Community College to fund work on a new certificate program in Laser Technology and Fiber Optics and to purchase equipment for the college’s Industrial Refrigeration program.With this funding, ECC will be able to develop courses for a new Laser Technology program and will, for the second year, be able to sponsor students from area high schools to take a summer course in laser and fiber optics for college credit.In addition, the college will be expanding its industrial refrigeration course offerings and purchasing new electrical testing equipment for its state-of-the-art refrigeration labs.ECC’s Industrial Refrigeration program, only the third of its kind in the nation, trains refrigeration engineers and technicians from throughout the Northeastern United States in industrial ammonia refrigeration, hazardous materials and safety. Western New York companies such as Perry’s Ice Cream, Mollenberg-Betz, Upstate Farms and Allied Frozen Storage are able to save money by having the opportunity to train their employees right in their backyard. Since the program began three years ago, more than 150 students have received training at ECC’s state-of-the-art industrial refrigeration labs.During her tenure in the New York State Senate, Rath has secured more than $600,000 in funding for several ECC facilities and programs, including the Mary Lou Rath Child Care Center, refrigeration labs, laser technology lab and business classrooms.Erie Community College is a comprehensive provider of quality, flexible, affordable and accessible academic training programs, along with related services, that meet the needs of a diverse student body and promote regional economic growth.“With new and emerging technologies, it is critical that local students have the resources to remain competitive in the changing workforce,” said Senator Rath. “By offering programs in laser technology, fiber optics and industrial refrigeration, ECC offers students world-class educational opportunities that will help prepare them for the future. I am glad to be able to partner with ECC in its ongoing efforts to offer an excellent education.”
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