College and university partnerships are imperative to the future and success of economic development. There is a direct link between a region’s future and the abilities of its up-and-coming generation. No one knows that to be more true than Allegany County.
“Schools have been at the center of our economic development,” said Dr. Craig Clark, executive director of the Allegany IDA.
With Alfred University in their backyard, they are primed for a technological breakthrough paralleled by few.
Solar City officials visited the Alfred State nano technology lab and were impressed on the capabilities. Expecting to hire hundreds in the near future, Solar City, now owned by Tesla, will surely keep an eye on the graduates of that program, feeding into the future Buffalo Niagara workforce. It is a burgeoning industry that is mirrored in the Alfred expansion.
The new ceramics cluster forming in Allegany County has been wholly backed by Alfred University, too. They have received grant money to purchase high-temperature technology to further progress in energy, environmental, and medical fields. Ceramics is imperative to advanced manufacturing development and is being taught heavily in the area.
As a writer, I’m far, far removed from this type of technology. Like, really far. But luckily, we have Allegany County IDA partner Dr. Clark to supplement my holes in knowledge and capacity. These nifty slides below take you through some of the technology on display at Alfred University. Student exposure to such technology will prepare them over many across the country in their industry. Alfred is on the cusp of becoming a destination for employers.
As a writer, I can, however, vouch for how cool some of the names are and how often the word “laser” is referenced (Which is only once, but they said it a lot on my tour. And one is enough anyway—don’t get greedy).
Enjoy!
