Westchester County and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Host Partnership Kickoff Event

RPI alums and local STEM workforce gather to celebrate new educational offerings for Westchester residents

Westchester County and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) recently hosted an official kickoff to their partnership, gathering nearly 100 local professionals at Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. in Elmsford for an evening of conversation and connection. The event was an opportunity to learn more about the top-tier STEM education and workforce development programs available to Westchester County professionals through RPI’s Rensselaer at Work programs. Among the highlights were an insider’s perspective on how this collaboration will expand access to accredited education in engineering, science, and business for residents, support workforce growth in fields like quantum computing and advanced manufacturing, and drive regional innovation.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We were thrilled by the turnout for Westchester County and RPI’s first networking event. Our local workforce is highly skilled, and the programs offered through this exciting partnership will only amplify the talents of our local STEM workforce, giving employers access to the talent needed to advance their organizations.”

Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “The response to the Westchester County partnership with RPI illustrates the demand for highly educated STEM talent who can support our growing life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and quantum sectors. It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm among local employers, RPI alumni, and county residents for this exciting collaboration.”

RPI’s Rensselaer at Work Dean Aric Krause shared, “We were honored to be joined by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons, and special guests from SUNY Westchester Community College, IBM, Regeneron, PTI, and other innovation-focused organizations across the region. Area RPI alumni added great energy to the conversations as we forged new connections and laid the foundation for future impact.”

Through its Rensselaer at Work programs, RPI offers online, project-based professional development led by industry experts. These programs prepare the workforce for high-demand sectors, including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology, clean energy, and quantum computing. To learn more about the Westchester County partnership with RPI, visit: https://westchestercatalyst.com/rpi/.

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.

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.