Governor Kathy Hochul / October 16, 2026
Starting in January, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 can enroll in eligible SUNY or CUNY associate degree programs in high-demand fields tuition-free — even if they already have a college degree in another field.
More than 15,000 adult learners have already accessed free community college through SUNY and CUNY Reconnect since 2025, saving thousands of dollars per year.
Now, tens of thousands more New Yorkers will have the opportunity to go into growing fields like health care, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing without having to worry about the cost of going back to school.
We’re also expanding access to affordable child care for families across the state.
On September 10, New York City families celebrated the first day of school — and this year, thanks to our investments, more than 2,000 two-year-olds started their first day of 2-Care. We also helped expand 3-K, bringing the program to more families across the city.
Thanks to these record investments, 13,000 more children are now enrolled in the Child Care Assistance Program, bringing statewide enrollment to approximately 183,000 children. Families can save up to $20,000 a year, and we’ve cleared waitlists and reopened enrollment in 43 counties.
New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to build a better future without having to choose between paying the bills today and investing in tomorrow.
Ever Upward,
Gov. Kathy Hochul
