NYPA Helps Fund New SUNY Canton Drone and Heat Pump Microcredentials

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is providing funding to support three new college credit-bearing microcredentials at SUNY Canton. The new funding will include professional examination fees and provide support toward tuition and fees for students.

Recently, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced $13 million in new NYPA workforce development funding to support training initiatives to prepare New Yorkers for careers in clean energy fields. Approximately $440,000 of the funding was awarded to SUNY Canton through the Center for Workforce, Community and Industry Partnerships (WCIP) to help launch new microcredential programs for Foundations of Drone Operations & Compliance; Drone Operations: Mapping & Logistics; and Heat Pumps.

According to WCIP director Elizabeth Brown, the funding will be used for two drone-related microcredentials as part of the college’s expanded partnership with Madrid-Waddington Central School’s successful Drone and Technologies program.

"One Microcredential prepares students to earn the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate while developing the technical skills needed to operate unmanned aircraft systems,” Brown said. “The other new UAV microcredential allows students to gain experience with drone flight operations, aerial photography, and industry-standard imaging software while exploring technologies such as GPS, GIS and LIDAR.”

As part of the grant, the college purchased 15 new drones and related equipment to support student training and hands-on learning experiences. To increase accessibility, courses will be offered during evening hours throughout the semester.

Building on the success and innovation of the Canino School of Engineering Technology’s HVAC program, the college will launch a Heat Pump microcredential to prepare students for the Environmental Protection Agency’s 608 Technician Certification exam while developing specialized skills in heat pump technology.

“Heat pumps are a growing part of the HVAC industry,” noted HVAC Lecturer and Trades Curriculum Coordinator Jay Simmons. “The technology represents a significant improvement over conventional systems because it can provide both heating and cooling while using far less energy, helping reduce utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Students learn the fundamentals of refrigeration systems and heat pump operation through hands-on training that includes brazing, copper tubing fabrication, system maintenance and troubleshooting. The program also covers EPA refrigerant regulations and provides a strong foundation for HVAC careers and further study as demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems continues to expand.

The initiative is designed to expand access to industry-aligned clean energy training for Northern New York and disadvantaged communities, preparing graduates for high-quality career opportunities in the clean energy sector.

The Foundations of Drone Operations & Compliance and Heat Pump microcredentials will begin on January 25th and run through May 7th with classes being offered in the evenings. Under the NYPA grant all tuition expenses and textbooks, including both the FAA Part 107 exam and the EPA 106 certification test are being offered at no cost to the participant. For further information about the programs and to register please email wcip@canton.edu.