This fall, Westchester County residents and employers will have direct access to a powerful new workforce development resource: RPI’s Rensselaer at Work ProCourses. Beginning September 29, these programs — born from deep collaboration with local industry leaders — will address the county’s most urgent talent needs and prepare workers for the opportunities of tomorrow.
The new initiative is the result of a groundbreaking partnership between Westchester County Government and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), designed to advance economic growth by equipping both current employees and new talent with high-demand technical, analytical, and leadership skills.
“We’ve focused our Westchester portfolio on the precise, defined needs employers have told us about,” says Aric Krause, dean of RPI’s Rensselaer at Work. “We interviewed hundreds of employers — including many in Westchester — and re-engineered every course to align with where industries are going tomorrow. These are not just theoretical classes. Every program uses a project-based approach so participants gain not only knowledge but real-world experience applying it.”
Meeting Employers’ Needs — and Professionals’ Lives
The programs are designed to develop skills in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics, semiconductor technology, Lean Six Sigma (a methodology for process improvement), and leadership development. But they are also carefully structured to fit into the lives of working professionals.
“We know professionals have families, jobs, and community commitments,” Krause says. “They can’t quit their job to learn new skills. Our programs fit their schedules, complement their work, and help them reach the next step in their career without putting life on hold.”
For employers, the benefits are equally compelling. The ProCourses help them retain and grow existing talent, reduce costly turnover, and build a pipeline of future leaders who can think strategically about both business and technology.
Krause points to a “two-pronged approach” for workforce strategy:
- Grow the talent you already have by equipping employees with advanced, industry-relevant skills.
- Bring in new talent by connecting with RPI’s undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students for internships and hiring.
A Full Spectrum of Opportunities
The partnership will bring to Westchester:
- ProCourses – short, intensive learning experiences for immediate skill application.
- Graduate certificates and degrees – for those looking to advance into leadership and strategy roles.
- Future undergraduate degree completion programs – launching in 2026 to support production and operations professionals seeking career advancement.
All offerings share the same project-based learning model, ensuring participants walk away with skills they can use immediately on the job.
Building a Stronger Future Together
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins says the long-term impact of this partnership is about helping to prepare our residents and our region for the demands of what’s next tomorrow: “This partnership has expanded the lifelong learning opportunities available in Westchester, where people can train for the skills they need. By aligning education with industry needs, and equipping our residents with forward-looking skills and helping employers adapt to emerging industries, we’re not only supporting business growth today. We’re building the foundation for a stronger economy and a more competitive Westchester that will be ready for whatever’s next.”
Driving Regional Growth
Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County’s director of economic development, calls the partnership a strategic win for the region: “Westchester County is committed to ensuring our workforce is ready for the jobs of the future. Partnering with RPI brings world-class education right here to our residents and employers — strengthening our talent pool and making Westchester even more attractive to high-growth industries.”
With industries increasingly driven by data, technology, and innovation, the RPI-Westchester County partnership positions the region for sustainable growth by building the skills that employers need most.
Next Steps
Westchester residents and employers can explore all upcoming programs, including the September 29 ProCourses, at westchestercatalyst.com/rpi and ewp.rpi.edu/procourses.
Related: Westchester County and RPI Announce New Partnership
