KeyBank Foundation Makes 500,000 Neurodiversity Opportunities Investment through the Key2Employment Program at SUNY Cobleskill

COBLESKILL – A $500,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation will help launch the Key2Employment program at SUNY Cobleskill, empowering individuals with neurodiversity to gain fulfilling, meaningful employment and careers, and helping to bridge the gap between the unique needs of learners and the demands of the job market. The program will provide valuable skills training, work experience, and job placement assistance to young adults, increasing their employability and enhancing their quality of life. It will also serve as a valuable resource for businesses and potential employers seeking to hire individuals with neurodiversity.

Dr. Marion Terenzio, President of SUNY Cobleskill, said, “Key2Employment aligns with the College’s mission to call all learners to experience hands-on, transformative education that prepares them for fulfilling careers. The program seeks to build a more inclusive workforce by creating these new pathways to success for gifted learners, and by realizing this goal, entire communities can benefit. We are deeply grateful to the KeyBank Foundation for their support and shared commitment to enabling all learners to flourish.”

Fran O’Rourke, KeyBank Capital Region Market President, said, “The unique opportunities that Key2Employment Program will provide to individuals with neurodiversity represent an innovative approach to education and workforce development. We are proud to fund and support this program, and look forward to seeing results and hearing stories about the lives it will transform and the difference it will make in our community.”

The funding will enable the development of three specialized career tracks, with focus areas identified in Web Design and Coding, Business Management, and Animal Care Assistant. 

These career areas are in high demand among employers, growing faster than the average compared to other job sectors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This leads to viable job placement prospects once a participant completes their enrolled job-ready training program.

Each career track will provide program participants with job-ready technical skills, soft skills, and social skills over 12 months, resulting in participants being strong candidates for employment placement in their respective career track. By year three of the program, the goal is to train, graduate, and secure job placement for 90 program participants (30 from each career track), demonstrating a "proof of concept" and providing evidence that this program model is successful, sustainable, and ready for expansion. The ultimate goal is for this program to become a model that others across the nation will emulate.

Tamika Otis, KeyBank Capital Region Corporate Responsibility Officer, said, “The training and development the Key2Employment Program provides will help participants have fulfilling careers and lives. It is central to our purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive and is a big step forward for inclusive employment in our region.”

Senator Peter Oberacker, 51st District, said, "The Key2Employment Program at SUNY Cobleskill is more than just an investment in education—it's a powerful step forward in empowering neurodiverse individuals to build successful, fulfilling careers. A heartfelt thank you to KeyBank and SUNY Cobleskill for their continued commitment to our community. Together, we're creating positive, lasting change and opening new doors for families right here in New York." 

Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie) says, "I'm overwhelmed with joy at the generosity and partnership that's taken place here. The KeyBank Foundation, thanks to their donation, has provided SUNY Cobleskill with more tools to ensure greater opportunities for neurodiverse students arriving to the Cobleskill campus, which then helps them prepare those students for the world after. The opportunity for growth and excellence has just increased for students at SUNY Cobleskill, and I'm thrilled for them. Thank you, KeyBank, for your commitment to the community and to future generations!"