New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new initiative that will cover the costs for many community college students pursuing associate degrees in high-demand occupations.
The program will provide tuition, fees, and books to adults aged 25 to 55 who enroll in one of eight designated subject areas deemed in-demand.
These fields include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, technology, nursing and allied health, green and renewable energy, and pathways to teaching in shortage areas.
Eligible students can apply to the program, known as SUNY and CUNY Reconnect, at city-run (CUNY) and state-run (SUNY) community colleges.
Applications officially opened with Governor Hochul’s announcement on Tuesday, and the initiative is designed to help address the increasing specialization required for new jobs due to state investments in emerging fields that often necessitate a degree or credential.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact, stating that it will not only boost the state’s economy but also create new opportunities for residents.
“By implementing SUNY Reconnect, campuses throughout New York have already seen promising interest and enthusiasm from adult learner students ready to seize this opportunity,” King remarked.
He thanked Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for their support, emphasizing the importance of providing New Yorkers with access to quality education and job training for upward mobility and career advancement.
The program targets New York’s 37 community colleges, including 30 throughout the state under the SUNY system and seven in New York City under CUNY.
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-11) highlighted the program’s role in connecting student success with economic growth.
Stavisky stated, “Everyone’s educational journey is different. Sometimes the path has hurdles and challenges. This initiative will enable students between the ages of 25 to 55 to complete their journey and expand workforce development in high-demand fields.
As a result, everyone benefits.”
This new program is set to supplement the existing financial aid available at community colleges and four-year public universities in New York.
The state’s 2025-26 budget will also allocate an additional $8 million for SUNY community colleges and $5.3 million for CUNY community colleges.
A similar initiative for adult learners has been available at CUNY campuses since 2022, encouraging adults who previously dropped out of these institutions to return to their studies.
In June, King toured various SUNY campuses to promote SUNY Reconnect, which is a recent enhancement to the existing offerings for adult education.
This initiative in New York shares similarities with a program introduced in Arizona in 2024 that aims to cover the costs of community college education for students enrolled in 10 schools across 11 high-growth sectors.
Bronx City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, who chairs the council’s Committee on Higher Education, praised the program as a testament to New York’s commitment to education amid federal funding challenges.
Dinowitz stated, “While our federal government continues to divest from the people and institutions that make our country thrive, Governor Hochul is showing what real leadership looks like by making smart, meaningful investments in New York’s future.
This bold initiative removes financial barriers for thousands of adult learners, connects them to high-demand careers, and strengthens our workforce in critical sectors, creating a stronger New York.”
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