"This is the kind of thing that I just love," he said. "It is so exciting because you're combining a couple of needs."
The program offers two years of course work that can be transferred to specialized four-year college programs, including at three SUNY schools.
It is one of 11 new programs SUNY Adirondack has introduced since 2015.
Schumer said the program addresses a national security issue, trains workers for high-wage jobs in a growing industry, and provides skilled workers for local employers.
"That's our market system determining how great the need is," he said.
Alan Van Tassel, executive vice president of StoredTech in Queensbury, which employs 45 people, said there is a shortage of trained workers in the field that live locally.
"There is a need. ... We're having to go outside the community to find help today," he said.
Schumer said he plans to propose increased federal funding for cybersecurity training college degree programs.
"I hope that we can get you some specific funding," in addition to touting the SUNY Adirondack program as a "national model," he said.
Schumer said he has not yet determined a dollar amount of funding he will seek.
"We're going to figure that out, but I'd like it to be a healthy amount," he said.
SUNY Adirondack President Kristine Duffy thanked Schumer for visiting the campus to hear directly from several faculty and students about the program.
"We are so proud of our students, our faculty, our staff, our community," she said.
Schumer, the Senate minority leader, as usual, interjected wit in his remarks.
"My staff writes great notes, and then I just do whatever I want," he said.
Speaking about the importance of small business, Schumer said his father owned and operated a small exterminator business.
