16K have applied to SUNY, CUNY Reconnect program

ALBANY | Gov. Hochul rallied with students, staff and faculty Tuesday morning at LaGuardia Community College, a CUNY campus, to celebrate the more than 16,500 New Yorkers statewide who have applied to the state's new free community college program for adults in high-demand fields through CUNY and SUNY Reconnect. Beginning in fall 2025, CUNY and SUNY Reconnect will build the Governor's commitment to expand access to higher education, strengthen New York's workforce, and provide pathways to good-paying careers for adult learners. "The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers – we are proud to provide an opportunity for millions of CUNY and SUNY students to achieve their dreams," Gov. Hochul said. "I am committed to making education more affordable and accessible, and the Reconnect program continues to pave the way forward for students as they enter our State's future workforce." As part of Gov. Hochul's 2025 State of the State address, free community college for adults in high-demand fields builds on her legacy of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a world-class and affordable education. For the four million working-age adults in New York who do not already have a college degree or credential, the free community college program for adult students provides a valuable education at CUNY and SUNY campuses, with tuition, fees, books and supplies all covered after applicable financial aid. Eligible high-demand fields include: Advanced manufacturing Artificial intelligence Cybersecurity Engineering Technology Nursing and allied health fields Green and renewable energy Pathways to teaching in shortage areas In order to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed, the program includes funding for SUNY and CUNY to support retention through wraparound supports such as academic advising and student success coaching, as well as funding to support marketing for effective outreach for the program. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, "Each year, CUNY community colleges enable thousands of New Yorkers to transform their lives. By removing financial barriers for adult learners in high-demand fields at CUNY's community colleges, Governor Hochul and the state legislature have made it clear it's never too late to start or re-start your higher education journey. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her tireless commitment to CUNY and to the promise of public higher education." CUNY and SUNY Reconnect applications are still open and can be accessed here for SUNY, and here for CUNY.

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16K have applied to SUNY, CUNY Reconnect program

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