IAED Graduates Inaugural Tompkins Build Cohort

IAED hosted a graduation ceremony for the inaugural cohort of Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center on June 17^th. The 13 program graduates were joined by nearly 75 family, friends, and trades representatives for the two-hour event and later, an off-site catered BBQ. Speakers included Tompkins-Cortland Building & Construction Trades Council Vice President, Marcus Williamee, and Workforce Development Institute Statewide Pre-Apprentice Program Director, Crickett Thomas-O’Dell.

Thirteen Tompkins Build graduates completed the 11-week training program, received 6 industry-recognized certifications, and demonstrated technical skills by constructing a 4x4 wall complete with plumbing and electricity. At the time of the ceremony, six graduates had accepted apprentice positions with the unions of their choice and the other seven were applying for apprenticeships with program support.

Now Enrolling for IAED’s Pathways to Manufacturing Summer Cohort

IAED is now accepting applications for enrollment for the Pathways to Manufacturing program scheduled to run from August 4^th – September 5^th. The registration deadline is July 17^th.

The Pathways to Manufacturing program is a full-time, five-week training program to equip people with the technical skills needed to land jobs with area manufacturers. Upon completion, participants get a one-time $1,000 stipend, OSHA-10 card, guaranteed interview with a participating manufacturer of their choice, and can sit for the Certified Manufacturing Associate exam.

For more information or to express interest in attending or hosting a summer information session, or to refer an individual for enrollment:

• Visit our website >>
• Or contact Mira Kuroyedov at (607) 273-0005 or directtowork@ithacaareaed.org

Living Essence Massage Institute Set to Open in Fall

Living Essence Massage Institute (LEMI) will launch its first 1,000-hour certification course in September. Filling the gap since the closure of the Finger Lakes School of Massage, LEMI will offer limited class sizes of 24 students during its 7.5-month program, which prepares graduates to take both the NYS and national board examinations for massage therapy. 

LEMI received sales tax incentives from the Tompkins County IDA for building renovations and to help support economic growth through increased job opportunities.

Applications for the September class are now open >>

Dryden NYF Grant – Open Call for Projects

In early 2025, the Village of Dryden was awarded a $4.5 million grant from the NY Forward program to revitalize its historic downtown and Main Street and generate new shopping, dining, and residential opportunities. As part of that process, the appointed Local Planning Committee is soliciting project ideas through an open call process. Projects of all sizes are welcome to apply through July 18^th.

More information about Dryden's Open Call for Projects >>

Applications available:

• Online >>
• Dryden Village Hall or Southworth Library

The Village of Groton received the same award in 2023. Following a similar public input, solicitation and vetting process, it finalized and released its Strategic Investment Plan. In May 2025, Governor Hochul announced which projects advanced by the Local Planning Committee would be awarded funding.

Governor Hochul's press release and list of successful projects >>