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CORNING, N.Y. -- On Thursday, March 21, SUNY Corning Community College unveiled new Makerspace and Mechatronics labs on its Spencer Hill Campus with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. This STEAM Innovation Zone marks the culmination of a three-stage approach that included the renovation of the Digital Dome Theater, the development of an in-demand mechatronics program, and now the creation of a makerspace for students, faculty, staff, and community members to work in a collaborative and creative environment.

At its core, the STEAM Innovation Zone welcomes collaboration with industry, agencies, non-profits, and community organizations on curriculum, outreach, and activities, as well as developing and facilitating pipeline and real-world opportunities.

A million-dollar grant from Empire State Development was used to create the Mechatronics AAS program, a 9-station Mechatronics lab, and renovations and fixtures to equip the Makerspace.

“This project is a regional priority because it directly corresponds to the State’s and the Region’s Workforce strategy to Invest in the Advanced Manufacturing Industry,” said Dr. William Mullaney, President of SUNY CCC. “CCC contributes to these goals as a key educational partner by providing students with much-needed mechatronics skills, which merge the fields of mechanical and electrical technology and computing.”

In addition, the College was awarded two Appalachian Regional Commission grants, totaling $300,000 and with a SUNY match of $600,000.

Dr. Mullaney added, “This funding has helped the College realize the STEAM Innovation Zone vision by enabling us to outfit the Makerspace and provide key additional resources for the Mechatronics AAS with state-of-the-art innovation lab equipment, space for design and technical course labs that will assist with workforce training of incumbent and displaced workers, and collaboration space for middle school and high school educators and students.”

The Makerspace will officially be open to the public in the fall of 2024, while the Mechatronics AAS program is in its second year as an academic offering at SUNY CCC. 

Click here to see more photos from the ribbon cutting event, and click here to learn more about the Makerspace lab.