ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester area auto dealers are investing $1 million to help drive the future of automotive training at Monroe Community College.
College officials and the Monroe Community College Foundation announced that the Rochester Automobile Dealers Association led a consortium of regional automotive partners in making the collective investment. The funding will support hands-on instruction at the new Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center, set to open in fall 2026.
The $1 million will go toward naming several instructional and student-focused automotive spaces inside the facility, aimed at strengthening workforce development and ensuring students train on up-to-date, industry-relevant technology.
Among the named spaces:
- Rochester Automobile Dealers Association Wing — naming of the exterior Automotive Entrance, recognizing RADA’s leadership and convening role.
- Alternative Fuel Automotive Lab — sponsored by the Rochester Area Cadillac Dealers, advancing training in emerging fuel technologies.
- General Motors Automotive Lab — sponsored by Rochester Area Chevrolet Dealers, reinforcing manufacturer-aligned instruction.
- Toyota Automotive Lab — sponsored by Rochester Area Toyota Dealers, supporting career pathways tied to Toyota technologies.
- Multi-Manufacturer Automotive Lab — sponsored by regional dealers representing Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Subaru, providing experience across diverse vehicle platforms.
The new $69 million, 110,000-square-foot Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center is being built on MCC’s Brighton campus and will replace the college’s current facility on West Henrietta Road.
College leaders say the investment from local auto dealers helps ensure students graduate ready to step directly into today’s evolving automotive workforce.
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