SUNY Broome Community College has a long track record of responding to industry needs. Whether providing a letter of support for a new initiative or launching a new degree program, decisions require alignment with executive leadership and the college’s strategic plan.
“That level of buy-in creates space for success,” said Christine Martey-Ochola, associate vice president and dean of STEM and workforce development at SUNY Broome. “Our focus on being the Community’s College keeps us on track. With so many strong efforts happening in this region and beyond, we have to be strategic about where and how we grow.”
The college’s mission emphasizes affordable, flexible and foundational education that creates economic impact by preparing an informed workforce. That mission created a natural pathway for SUNY Broome’s role in New Energy New York’s workforce development efforts.
With additional staff and support from NENY, the college developed programs that build on existing STEM and manufacturing courses and equipment. This work led to SUNY Broome serving as the host site for the BTECH Labs, the hands-on lab component of the NENY Battery Academy. The fall 2025 BTECH Lab cohort attracted battery industry professionals from across the United States, many of whom viewed participation as an opportunity to connect with the broader NENY network.
Martey-Ochola joined SUNY Broome in 2023 as NENY-supported programs were taking shape. Since then, she has observed growing interest in STEM programs, particularly engineering sciences and applied technology.
“These programs are creating the strong pipelines we need,” Martey-Ochola said. “Students in engineering sciences are largely continuing on to four-year institutions, while students in technology and manufacturing are securing jobs after graduation. It’s wonderful to see.”
To further activate these pipelines, SUNY Broome has partnered with BAE Systems, Binghamton University and four regional high schools to deliver a Power and Energy Management program. The initiative provides students with early exposure to educational and career pathways in engineering and energy management. Supported by the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, the program connects high school students with academic and industry mentors while demonstrating how these careers contribute to the growth of the region’s battery ecosystem.
Beyond degree programs, SUNY Broome also offers a preparation course required for entry into lineworker training programs for New York state utility companies, including NYSEG. Looking ahead, the college aims to standardize and host required lineworker training in partnership with utility providers.
SUNY Broome is also planning to expand its battery education offerings by growing its electronics program into a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. Proposed additions include coursework in battery science, technology labs and battery technician training. Martey-Ochola noted that a foundational understanding of battery science is increasingly relevant across fields such as robotics, automation and modern manufacturing operations.
To learn more about degree programs, continuing education opportunities and microcredentials at SUNY Broome, visit sunybroome.edu.