Assemblyman Jones announces $250k for Malone campus

Oct. 12, 2022

MALONE -- Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) joined leaders today at North Country Community College’s Malone campus to announce that he secured $250,000 in state funding for upgrades to the college’s science laboratories.

The current Malone campus science labs are in need of repairs to meet student needs.

“I am proud to have secured this funding for science labs at North Country Community College,” said Jones. “The labs will be an important resource for future students and will help them learn the skills they need for their future careers. Everyone in the North Country deserves access to an affordable higher education, and it’s important to me that our schools have the resources they need to provide the best education for their students. These upgrades will help in the College’s efforts to recruit and retain students and I look forward to seeing the changes to the science labs once they are completed.”

“Assemblyman Jones has been a steadfast supporter of and advocate for the College and our students throughout his time in public office, and this grant that he secured for us is yet another example,” said Joe Keegan, President of North Country Community College. “Billy knows the challenges faced by rural-serving community institutions like the College and, at the same time, the need to provide the students of our region with modern, fully equipped educational facilities as they prepare for careers vital to region, today and tomorrow. This funding will help the College continue to deliver on that promise.”

“The science department was extremely excited when we received word that we would be renovating the lab space in Malone,” said Jamie Strough, Instructor of Science at North Country Community College. “Not only will the renovation bring the space more up to date cosmetically, but it will allow us to provide increased functionality, accessibility, and added safety features to our laboratory. These upgrades will further our confidence in what we offer our students, assisting us as we strive to stay at the forefront of a combined traditional and hands-on learning approach. The project will also show our students that we are fully invested in helping them to obtain the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their educational and career goals.”

The Malone campus, located in a converted and renovated textile mill, serves residents of northern Franklin County and beyond  with academic programs and certificates including nursing, health sciences, human services and liberal arts. The campus’ science lab has not been updated since it opened in 2001.

The upgrades will include new teaching and student stations, desks and seating, a new fume hood, flooring, ceilings, and plumbing and electrical repairs. The renovations are expected to begin in May 2023 and be completed by the start of the fall 2023 semester.