Governor Hochul Unveils Plans for $15 Million Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab at Onondaga Community College

Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled plans for the $15 million, 5,000 square-foot Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab at Onondaga Community College. The facility, which will be held to ISO Class 5 and 6 cleanroom standards and located at OCC’s Whitney Applied Technology Center, will be a vital tool to help to train students in Central New York for jobs at Micron. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025. The unveiling builds on the Governor’s progress toward preparing Central New York for Micron, which announced last year a historic $100 billion investment to build a megafab campus in Clay, Onondaga County and create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next 20-plus years. Renderings of the cleanroom simulation lab are available here.

“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.”

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 was selected as one of Micron’s partners in education – one of several priority sectors that will receive investment through a $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund. In addition to constructing the cleanroom, OCC is advancing its academic programs. This fall semester, the campus launched two Micron-related programs: Electromechanical Technology A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science degree) and Electromechanical Technology certificate program. The Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab is being funded equally by Micron, Onondaga County, and New York State through SUNY’s capital program, each of whom contributed $5 million.

SUNY is also part of the Northeast University Semiconductor Network announced by Micron, the National Science Foundation, and Senator Schumer in April.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, "There has been tremendous, proactive momentum across the state to prepare for Micron’s megafab, and at SUNY, we are expanding and tailoring our academic programs to fit Micron's needs as well as constructing state-of-the-art facilities like Onondaga Community College's new cleanroom. Across SUNY campuses, students are being prepared for success with well-paying, high-demand jobs so that when they graduate, they have the right skills and training for Micron and other employers. This is all possible thanks to the critical attention and investment by Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the New York State Congressional delegation, our partners in the New York State legislature, and Micron."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State is taking a holistic approach to training our workforce, so residents are ready now for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow. We are pleased to see Micron and OCC partner on this investment so our students have the skills needed for well-paying jobs that will bring a wealth of opportunity and growth to Central New York.”

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.”

Earlier this month marked the one-year anniversary of Micron’s historic investment of up to $100 billion over the next 20-plus years to build a megafab campus in Central New York and create 50,000 jobs in Central New York. Since the announcement, Governor Hochul has worked closely with local, state, and federal partners to prepare for Micron’s arrival.

As part of the FY 2024 Budget, Governor Hochul secured a $45 million investment for the creation of the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO SEMI), a new state office to lead and centralize efforts to implement the Micron project and develop and advance policies to attract the semiconductor industry and supply chain. GO-SEMI will also oversee the coordination of workforce development and community investments between local, state, federal, and private partners; lead efforts to create, attract and retain the highly skilled workforce needed; and support cohesive development focused on smart growth principles.

Governor Hochul also worked with Micron to secure nation-leading investments in child care to provide access to reliable and affordable child care for Micron employees, including on-site child care options on Micron’s campus. Since announcing Micron’s commitment to Central New York, the company has made significant investments in child care that will benefit Central New York families. Late last year, Micron pledged $500,000 to the YMCA of Central New York to help expand access to high-quality child care and early learning for underserved communities in the region. Micron also announced funding for the Early Childhood Career Pathways Program, administered by Childcare Solutions and PEACE Inc., to expand family home child care centers.

The Governor and Micron also announced the chairs of the Micron Community Engagement Committee, established by the Governor to guide the investment strategy for the $500 million Community Investment Fund. Since the announcement, the committee has met with hundreds of residents and continues to listen and learn about how Micron’s presence can help the region.

Governor Hochul has committed $350 million to preparing New York's workforce for the jobs of the future, including the $150 million Office of Strategic Workforce Development within Empire State Development (ESD). The Office works to better align workforce development efforts with the needs and priorities of today's employers. To date, the office has awarded over $24 million to 39 projects training over 9,000 people for over 300 business partners, including several projects expected to affect the talent pool required for Micron.

Micron is also taking substantial steps to making this project a reality. In addition to today’s partnership with Onondaga Community College, Micron has announced a major sponsorship at the Museum of Science & Technology, launched its CHIP Camp, a no-cost STEM education program for local students, and established a workforce innovation consortium at Syracuse University.