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Westchester County and RPI Announce Partnership Benefitting Region’s Workforce
April 23, 2025 -- Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced at the 2025 State of the County Address a new strategic partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the nation’s first technological research university. This partnership will provide area working professionals with access to a top tier STEM education on demand and fulfills a strategic initiative to bring high quality engineering and applied science programs to the County.
Jenkins said: “We are proud to launch this exciting partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—an institution with a 200-year legacy of world-class engineering education and innovation. This collaboration brings cutting-edge academic and workforce development opportunities directly to Westchester County, helping us invest in our most valuable asset—our people. Our employers have told us they want to hire more employees with engineering-related skills. By giving our talented local workforce access to advanced education and skill-building programs right here at home, we are strengthening Westchester’s economy, empowering our residents, and positioning the County as a hub for innovation and talent.”
RPI President Martin A. Schmidt, Ph.D. said: “RPI is honored to partner with Westchester County to broaden access to world-class engineering education for the region’s workforce. This collaboration accelerates the transformation of the Hudson Valley into Quantum Valley—positioning the region at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technologies. We are committed to building strategic partnerships with local employers to ensure our programs meet evolving industry demands, while also engaging directly with prospective students to provide the support, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we are shaping a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, education, and workforce development that will define the future of the region.”
Through the partnership, RPI will provide accredited undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on multidisciplinary engineering, science, and business. During the Westchester County State of the County, Jenkins and Schmidt signed a memorandum of understanding to officially launch the partnership.
Through its Rensselaer at Work, RPI offers online, project-based professional development led by industry experts. These programs prepare the workforce for high-demand sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology, clean energy, and quantum computing. Quantum is a key emerging field, and both RPI and the County have prioritized its growth. In 2023, the County launched the QUANTM Consortium to advance quantum technologies. RPI is the first university globally to host an IBM Quantum System One computer on campus. To support workforce training, RPI offers an 8-week, non-credit Intro to Applied Quantum ProCourse online.
RPI will also hire a Westchester-based business development professional to coordinate local programming.
About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Founded in 1824 for the application of science to the common purposes of life, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, and entrepreneurs who will define what’s next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world's toughest problems. Learn more at rpi.edu.
About the Westchester County Office of Economic Development
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life. This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. For more information, visit the Westchester Catalyst website.
