Governor Kathy Hochul announces $1.1 million in grants to 22 community colleges, enhancing opportunities for adult learners statewide.
In a significant move to bolster workforce development, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the allocation of $1.1 million in grants to 22 community colleges across New York State. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for adult learners, particularly those aged 25 to 55, by providing free community college tuition, fees, books, and supplies for degrees in high-demand fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and green jobs.
The Adult Learner Leadership Initiative, spearheaded by the State University of New York (SUNY), seeks to dismantle barriers hindering adult students from accessing and completing higher education programs. The funded colleges are tasked with developing comprehensive action plans by July 2025, focusing on strategies like recognizing prior learning credits, offering flexible scheduling, and providing wraparound support services. Implementation of these plans is expected by the fall 2025 semester.
Governor Hochul emphasized the transformative potential of community colleges, stating, “For millions of New Yorkers, community college can be the path to upward mobility and economic security.” She highlighted the state’s commitment to empowering residents to seize generational economic opportunities through education.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. echoed this sentiment, noting that community colleges serve as “engines of upward mobility.” He expressed readiness to assist more adult learners in obtaining associate degrees and advancing their careers.
In the Finger Lakes region, several institutions are set to benefit from this funding:
- Cayuga Community College: Awarded $50,000 to enhance marketing and recruitment for adult learners, expand co-requisite models to address academic preparation gaps, and offer academic and support services during evenings and weekends.
- Corning Community College: Received $41,928 to focus on marketing, recognizing prior learning credits, and aligning campus policies with adult learner needs.
- Finger Lakes Community College: Granted $50,000 to improve recruitment efforts, acknowledge prior learning, and provide flexible scheduling and support services.
- Monroe Community College: Allocated $50,000 to target adult learner recruitment, recognize prior learning, and foster a sense of belonging among adult students.
- Onondaga Community College: Received $50,000 to enhance marketing, offer flexible learning options, and create an inclusive environment for adult learners.
- Tompkins Cortland Community College: Awarded $50,000 to focus on targeted recruitment, prior learning credits, and fostering a supportive community for adult students.
This initiative aligns with Governor Hochul’s broader strategy to revitalize New York’s economy by investing in workforce development and supporting small businesses. Proposals include providing low-interest capital to small enterprises and enhancing tax credits for companies in the semiconductor supply chain.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by adult learners, New York State aims to equip its workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in high-demand industries, thereby fostering economic growth and individual prosperity.
