SUNY Canton Helps Launch New York's First 'Solar Ready Vets' Program at Fort Drum

The college is continuing its tradition of being the best choice for military and veteran students.

CANTON, NY (01/07/2016)(readMedia)-- SUNY Canton will be offering career-focused technical training to help personnel stationed at Fort Drum transition from active duty to civilian professions.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York is joining in the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Ready Vets Training program. The Fort Drum program was created through collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is the first of its kind in the state.

"Soldiers and veterans have the experience and know-how to get the job done," Governor Cuomo said. "The dramatic growth of solar in New York is creating a demand for highly skilled workers. Offering these heroes valuable training and the technical skills needed to work in this rapidly growing industry, not only helps veterans succeed post service, but helps all of us create a more sustainable future."

SUNY Canton's Career Ready Education and Success Training (CREST) Center for Workforce Development will teach five-week classes focusing on solar photovoltaic systems and installation through hands-on labs. In addition, the program will facilitate job placement with New York solar companies. The first session will be held from Jan. 11 to Feb. 17 at Fort Drum.

"The Solar Ready Vets program is a perfect extension of what SUNY Canton does best," SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said. "We are continuing our commitment to veterans and their families in addition to focusing on environmental sustainability and renewable energy technologies. This program also demonstrates our commitment to providing career ready training in our academic programs and through our CREST Center for Workforce Development."

Szafran thanked Governor Cuomo, the U.S. Department of Energy, NYSERDA, CREST Center staff, Fort Drum and all parties involved for implementing this important program.

Both the Governor's Office and NYSERDA have issued a full news release on the Solar Ready Vets program at Fort Drum. It includes statements from Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik, Senator Patricia A. Ritchie, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, Assemblyman Kenneth D. Blankenbush, Fort Drum Garrison Commander Colonel Bryan J. Laske and others.

SUNY Canton Named a Best College for Military and Veteran Students

Coinciding with the governor's announcement, SUNY Canton has again been chosen as a top school in Military Advanced Education & Transition magazine's 2016 Guide to Colleges and Universities.

The list serves as a resource to help active service members and those who have already moved from the military to their civilian careers find schools that are the most equipped to accommodate their unique educational needs.

In its assessment, the magazine praised the college for its military-friendly culture, flexibility of programs and courses and support services, most notably the utilization of a military and veteran student service coordinator, who helps students navigate the programs and services that can assist them in reaching their educational goals.

This is the fourth year in a row the college has been included in the publication. The guide is published in the magazine's December issue, and can also be found online at www.mae-kmi.com.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service and recently received number one rankings in library resources, library services and tutoring services in the SUNY Student Opinion Survey. The college's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as ten exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 14 athletic teams compete as members of the NCAA Division III.

-www.canton.edu-