Starting in January 2027 SUNY and CUNY offer FREE education for “high-demand” fields
From Alfred State College, pictured Alfred State President Steven Mauro was in attendance as Governor Kathy Hochul announced the expansion of SUNY Reconnect
Today at the Northland Workforce Training Center, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an expansion of her free community college initiative (Reconnect) for New Yorkers between ages 25 and 55. Alfred State President Steven Mauro and members of his administration team were in attendance for the announcement.
Starting in January, New Yorkers 25 to 55 can enroll in a SUNY or CUNY associate degree program in a high-demand field for free, even if they have already completed a college degree in a different area. The initiative will not only address the unprecedented impacts of AI on the workforce but will increase access for tens of thousands more adult learners by allowing individuals with existing credentials to seek alternative career paths and gain valuable qualifications in high-growth sectors such as architecture technology, engineering technology, nursing, and CNC Manufacturing and Machining. All of this will be possible without accumulating debt for tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Today’s expansion builds on the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program that Governor Hochul launched in 2025, which has already helped over 15,000 adult learners access free community college in high-demand fields – helping them save thousands of dollars per year.
“As AI continues to reshape the global economy, I’m taking action to ensure more New Yorkers have the skills they need to succeed,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding access to free community college, we’re making it even easier for adult learners to pivot into fast-growing, high-demand sectors without taking on a single dollar of tuition debt.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Governor Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect program has transformed the lives of thousands of New Yorkers by expanding opportunities for an affordable, excellent public higher education. This effort by Governor Hochul to build upon the program will help more adult learners return to the classroom and empower them to pursue the careers of their dreams. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and state leaders for their continued investment in SUNY and our students, and for removing barriers to higher education for all New Yorkers.”
This free college expansion will take effect for the Spring 2027 Semester, which starts in January. At that time, New Yorkers 25 to 55 will be able to enroll in a high-demand SUNY or CUNY associate degree program for free, even if they already had a college degree in a different field. Eligible New Yorkers will be able to start applying to enroll under this initiative over the coming months, based on the individual application periods for each SUNY or CUNY campus.
SUNY Reconnect came to Alfred State College this school year. Currently there are seventy-five students participating in the program including first year Electrical Construction & Maintenance student Frank Rosa (Niagara Falls). Rosa was one of the students that spoke at the press conference held at the Northland Workforce Training Center.
“To be honest when I first enrolled, I was nervous,” commented Rosa. “I had been out of the classroom for more than thirty years and the thought of going back to school and tackling math and technical course work was intimidating. What I found here was something incredible – support. From day one everyone at Northland and Alfred State has been welcoming, attentive, and generous with their time. The instructors, staff, and advisors have all been committed to helping students like me succeed. They believed in me even when I was not even sure that I believed in myself.”
He continued, “The SUNY Reconnect program made it possible for me to take this step. It removed barriers that might have kept me from pursuing this opportunity. This program gave me the confidence to invest in myself and my future. Today, I am preparing for a career in the electrical trades, an industry that needs skilled workers and offers real opportunities for people to build rewarding careers.”
For more information about Alfred State and the SUNY Reconnect visit: https://www.alfredstate.edu/admissions/opportunity-programs/suny-reconnect
Rosa concluded, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul and her administration for their commitment to programs like SUNY Reconnect. This investment is changing lives, it is helping adults return to education, gain new skills, and fill critical workforce needs across New York state.”
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At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, over 100 clubs and civic groups, and 18 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running …
