Farmingdale State College was the site of the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art Computer Sciences Center, which took place on May 15. Governor Kathy Hochul said the new center is part of her efforts to advance science and technology research and economic opportunities for New Yorkers. The project is made possible by a $30 million investment through Empire State Development’s Long Island Investment Fund and $45 million in capital funding from the State University of New York (SUNY).
“In New York, we are shaping our students to be the next generation of leaders,” Hochul said. “Our SUNYs and CUNYs provide an exceptional and well-rounded education for New Yorkers to explore science and technology research — the groundbreaking of the Computer Sciences Center at Farmingdale will uncover technological advancements and advance economic opportunities in our state; that’s how we build a better New York.”
“Our SUNY campuses play an integral role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals for New York’s advancing STEM sector,” SUNY Chancellor John B. King said.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight called the groundbreaking “a transformative step forward for Long Island’s technology sector,” adding, “This project will catalyze economic growth across the region by connecting talented students directly with industry partners who need their skills. As businesses and academia collaborate in innovative ways, we’ll see accelerated technological advancement, a more robust talent pipeline, and a stronger, more competitive New York economy ready to lead in tomorrow’s technology landscape.”
“Today we’re breaking ground on more than just a building — we’re establishing a cornerstone for Long Island’s technological advancement,” Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law added. “This center represents a critical investment in our regional economy, creating both immediate construction jobs and long-term opportunities in high-growth sectors. The ripple effects will benefit communities across Long Island as graduates fill skilled positions, businesses find innovative solutions to their challenges, and our region strengthens its competitive position in the global marketplace.”
The Computer Sciences Center will include new classrooms, computer labs, seminar spaces and a collaborative space for industry-related vendors. It will support Farmingdale’s rapidly growing computer and information science programs, which have experienced a 40 percent increase in enrollment over the last five years. The Computer Sciences Center will be the campus’ first Zero Net Carbon Ready building covering approximately 52,000 square feet.
“So much more than a building, the center will provide a hub of advanced technology education and programming, enabling interdisciplinary and collaborative innovation, research, and learning. It will also allow us to support increasing enrollment in our technology programs with a focus on workforce development,” said Farmingdale State College President Robert S. Prezant.
State Senator Monica R. Martinez (D-Brentwood) added, “Technological advancements continue to move the world and our region forward, and Farmingdale State College’s Center for Computer Science and Information Technology will prepare students for success in these dynamic fields. It is here where a hub for the development of Long Island’s next generation of digital pioneers will soon flourish, and it will be here where the highly skilled workforce essential to fueling this region’s high-tech economy will begin their academic journeys.”
Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow (D-Lindenhurst) said the center will “[bring] together diverse stakeholders like students, educators, and local businesses to foster the development of future technologies, creative ideas, and positive community impact. It emphasizes that this building is not just a physical structure but a symbol of a forward-thinking approach to education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.”
“The groundbreaking at Farmingdale State College is more than the start of a new building — it’s the foundation for Long Island’s future,” Suffolk County Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-Deer Park) added. “The Center for Computer Science and Information Technology represents a critical investment in education, workforce development, and regional innovation. By bringing together students, local businesses, and community organizations under one roof, we’re not just preparing the next generation of tech leaders — we’re creating pathways to opportunity for all.”
Richberg called the project “a smart win for taxpayers” that “exemplifies how public-private partnerships and forward-thinking use of government resources can shape a stronger, more equitable future for Long Island.”
Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer said, “This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance educational opportunities but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, ensuring that Long Island remains at the forefront of technological innovation. We are proud to support initiatives that invest in our community’s future and provide our residents with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”