Drawing Worldwide Talent
In addition to being a midpoint between Albany and New York City, one reason Dutchess County appeals to businesses and residents is that it prioritizes education. Dutchess offers a mix of excellent public and private schools, from early primary school through high school and higher education that help keep the talent pipeline flowing.
There are five highly regarded Dutchess County Colleges and Universities: Marist College, Vassar College, Bard College, Dutchess Community College and the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America. They’re leading cutting-edge innovation in advanced manufacturing, health care, aviation and agriculture. Dutchess County’s colleges and universities are educating the next-generation workforce. Together, we’re providing the skills needed to thrive in the evolving 21st-century business landscape.
Visit these newsroom articles for more insight:
How Dutchess County is Evolving Workforce Skills in the Hudson Valley From Certificates to Degrees: A Guide to Higher Education in Dutchess County
Vassar College
Vassar College consistently ranks in the Wall Street Journal's top 75 best colleges in America, and employs over 1,000 people who live, work and shop in Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley. Campus life at this liberal arts college is defined by the beautiful and historic campus and residence halls, along with a robust athletics program. Vassar students have access to a wide range of opportunities including a leading arts institution and a work partnership program with local businesses that gives students real-world training and internship opportunities across Dutchess County. Also available to Vassar students is the school’s 527-acre farm and ecological preserve. Here, students conduct research projects and internships while the Poughkeepsie Farm Project facilitates community interaction through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and education on food justice and security.
The Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has been setting the standard for excellence in professional culinary education since its founding in 1946. With a combined enrollment of over 3,000 students and more than 1,400 graduates annually, this resource offers great opportunities for partnerships such as the one created with Dassai Sake.
The CIA is a tourism engine for Dutchess County, thanks in part to on campus restaurants. More than a quarter of a million people visit the school annually. It’s also innovating - a partnership with 3D Systems allows students to explore the possibilities of 3-D printing, turning sugar into three-dimensional printed food in the school’s design program.
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Marist University
With its main campus located right along the Hudson River, Marist University is a national leader in innovation. It has an annual local economic impact of more than $500 million, and it offers diverse opportunities for students and the greater community.
One notable accomplishment includes leveraging its 30-year partnership with IBM to offer big data and analytics to both local and national clients through the Cloud Computing and Analytics Center. A second includes the building of the Science and Allied Health Building. This $33 million center that establishes the PA program and houses the School of Science's existing undergraduate programs in Athletic Training and Medical Technology.
Photo provided by Marist University
Dutchess Community College
At Dutchess Community College (DCC), students can choose from a variety of full and part-time pathways and certificate programs. DCC’s flexible enrollment and financial aid packages ensure that 65% of students graduate with their associate degree with no student-loan debt.
Additionally, DCC’s newest programs signify a new phase of collaboration with local businesses and organizations. Chief among these is an extension of the college’s aviation program which is located in Hudson Valley Regional Airport. With cutting-edge classrooms, labs and hangar, the 31,800-sq.-ft facility is the hub of operations for one of New York state’s leading aviation training programs.
To further promote this collaboration, DCC is investing in resources focused on alternative career pathways. For instance, Dutchess County Community College recently constructed a 47,000-square-foot facility in Fishkill with state-of-the-art amenities, like a mechatronic lab. Known as the Center of Excellence for Industry & Innovation, this facility offers current and future students the tools and training to gain in-demand skills. This DCC industry investment further advances successful career pathways and transformative partnerships between businesses and educational institutions.
The school also continues to focus on healthcare, and DCC’s nursing program grads contribute to the full-time healthcare workforce.
Bard College
Through academics, civic engagement, and the arts, Bard College acts as an international hub connecting students and faculty to the world, while bringing the world to Dutchess County. The College is known for its programs in humanities as well as science and computing. Bard College’s exceptional education standards are supported by a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
Recent achievements include a $1 million state award in the Energy to Lead competition for its “Micro Hydrofor Macro Impact” project. In addition, a $50 million endowment at Bard College in 2022 will contribute to creating a more inclusive campus for Native American and other Indigenous peoples. The donation allows for supplemental college-wide programming and scholarships in addition to exhibitions, visiting scholars, library acquisitions and more. As one of the largest employers in Dutchess County, Bard College continues to contribute to the economic vitality in the region.
