Bronx Community College (BCC), a collaborator with the City College of New York’s University Transportation Research Center (UTRC), has announced an expanded partnership with Waymo, LLC, the world’s leading autonomous driving technology company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., formerly known as the Google Self-Driving Car Project. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to integrate real-world autonomous vehicle technology into BCC’s academic programs, giving students a unique opportunity to train with industry-leading tools and prepare for the rapidly growing self-driving vehicle sector.
The official demonstration and launch event is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., on the Quad in front of North Hall & Library at Bronx Community College, 2155 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453. Waymo will showcase its self-driving Jaguar taxi, the world’s first fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicle, and outline its plans to collaborate with BCC to expand workforce development and academic training opportunities.
A Major Step Forward for Autonomous Transportation in New York
This partnership comes at a time when New York City is taking significant steps toward embracing autonomous transportation. In August, Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Department of Transportation approved Waymo’s pilot program to test autonomous vehicle technology in Manhattan. This pilot program marks a critical milestone in positioning New York as a future hub for self-driving technology.
Waymo’s visit to BCC underscores the company’s commitment to partnering with institutions that can prepare the next generation of skilled professionals who will build and maintain autonomous transportation systems. Bronx Community College, widely recognized for its Automotive Technology program, is uniquely positioned to lead this effort.
“We believe autonomous vehicles will make roads safer and transportation more accessible, as well as create tens of thousands of jobs – from fleet operations, to automotive maintenance and engineering,” said Matt Walsh, Waymo’s Regional Head of State & Local Public Policy, East. “We want to help prepare students to take advantage of opportunities at all levels in the autonomous vehicle industry, and we’re proud to partner with Bronx Community College to prepare future generations for success.”
Cutting-Edge Automotive Training at BCC
Bronx Community College has long been at the forefront of automotive technology education. Its Patterson Garage, a state-of-the-art facility on campus, provides students with hands-on training in Electric Vehicle Technology, Autonomous Vehicle Systems, and Electric Vehicle Performance and Diagnosis. The facility serves not only traditional degree-seeking students but also workforce development participants, equipping them with skills to enter high-demand sectors.
Under the leadership of Clement Drummond, BCC’s Director of Automotive Technology, the college has invested years in building a robust infrastructure to support advanced automotive education. The partnership with Waymo elevates this mission to the next level.
“By integrating Waymo’s autonomous technology into our curriculum, we are not just teaching students how to service the vehicles of tomorrow—we’re preparing them to lead the future of mobility,” said Drummond. “This partnership opens the door to innovation, opportunity, and meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving industry.”
The potential economic benefits are significant. The annual starting salary for an automotive technician in New York ranges from $47,000 to $75,000, and with autonomous vehicle technology creating new specialized roles, graduates will have access to even more competitive opportunities.
Waymo’s Vision and National Expansion
Waymo operates commercial robotaxi services in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin. The company plans to expand into additional cities including Dallas, TX, Miami, FL, Washington, DC, and Nashville, TN by 2026, with a long-term goal of bringing service to New York City. As of April 2025, Waymo provides over 250,000 paid rides per week, covering more than 1 million miles monthly.
Waymo’s Jaguar I-PACE taxis are fully autonomous, using advanced AI-driven software, lidar, radar, and camera systems to navigate complex urban environments safely. By introducing this technology to students early in their training, Waymo and BCC are ensuring that the Bronx and the wider New York City workforce are prepared for an era in which self-driving vehicles become part of daily life.
Preparing New York’s Workforce for the Future of Mobility
The introduction of autonomous vehicles is not only transforming transportation but also reshaping the labor market. As these technologies enter urban areas like New York City, there will be a growing need for technicians, fleet operators, safety engineers, data analysts, and software specialists.
“As autonomous vehicle technology arrives in NYC, it’s critical our local workforce is ready,” said Matthew W. Daus, Esq., Transportation Technology Chair at the University Transportation Research Center. “This program will create jobs for new graduates and offer retraining and new career opportunities for current automotive and for-hire transportation workers. BCC is leading the way in preparing workers with the skills needed for this evolving industry.”
This approach aligns with New York City’s broader goals to modernize transportation infrastructure while creating equitable access to high-quality jobs. By investing in education and training, the city can ensure that local residents benefit from the opportunities created by technological change.
Academic Collaboration to Drive Innovation
This initiative is not solely about technology; it is about building an ecosystem that connects education, industry, and community. BCC’s partnership with the University Transportation Research Center and Waymo represents a strategic effort to ensure students are ready to take leadership roles in the next wave of mobility innovation.
“The University Transportation Research Center (UTRC) is thrilled to join forces with Waymo and Bronx Community College on this vital initiative,” said Dr. Camille Kamga, Director of UTRC and Professor of Civil Engineering at City College of New York. “Our partnership is not just about developing an automated driving curriculum; it’s about strategically preparing our students to lead the mobility revolution that will redefine how our communities live, work, and move. This is investing in the future workforce.”
Economic and Social Impact on the Bronx
For the Bronx, this partnership is especially meaningful. The borough has long been a center for workforce development and technical education. By positioning itself as a hub for autonomous vehicle training, BCC is creating pathways for residents to enter a high-growth industry that promises stable, well-paying jobs.
Autonomous vehicle technology also has the potential to make transportation safer and more accessible. By reducing human error, which accounts for the vast majority of traffic accidents, self-driving cars could save lives and improve mobility for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and underserved communities.
Waymo’s focus on workforce development ensures that technological progress benefits the community, rather than displacing it. This partnership demonstrates how public institutions and private companies can work together to build a more inclusive, forward-looking economy.
The Future of Transportation Education
As autonomous vehicles move from pilot projects to widespread deployment, educational institutions will play a pivotal role in ensuring society is prepared to manage and maintain this technology responsibly. Bronx Community College is taking a leadership position in this field by building programs that do more than train technicians—they develop innovators.
Through curriculum enhancements, hands-on training with real autonomous systems, and collaboration with industry leaders like Waymo, BCC is preparing students not just to adapt to the future but to shape it.
This partnership is also a model for other cities across the United States. By aligning education and industry, communities can build strong local economies, reduce unemployment, and ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone.
A Historic Moment for BCC and New York City
The expanded collaboration between Bronx Community College and Waymo marks a significant milestone in the evolution of both transportation and education. It symbolizes the power of innovation when academia and industry work together toward a shared vision.
As Waymo looks toward expanding its autonomous vehicle services in New York City, BCC students will be among the first in the region to gain hands-on experience with the world’s leading autonomous driving technology. This prepares them not only for immediate employment but also for leadership roles in an industry that is expected to grow exponentially over the coming decades.
Bronx Community College has a long history of preparing New Yorkers for the future. This partnership ensures that tradition continues in one of the most transformative industries of our time.
About Bronx Community College
The Bronx Community College (BCC) is home to more than 40 academic programs that will prepare you to continue your education at a four-year institution or begin your career. In addition to our high-quality academic programs, we offer you the opportunity to learn from our outstanding faculty, create flexible class schedules and grow with the support of our academic community. A Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), we enroll students from nearly 100 countries. Our campus is also home to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, the country’s first hall of fame. In October 2012, our campus was declared a National Historic Landmark, becoming the country’s first community college campus to receive such a designation.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
