A free community college program for adults aged 25 to 55 was launched, covering tuition, fees, and books in high-demand fields. The initiative aims to expand access to education and enhance career mobility among New Yorkers lacking prior degrees. Programs offered will focus on areas such as advanced manufacturing, AI, and healthcare. Funding will support academic advising and coaching. The program follows the success of CUNY Reconnect, aiding over 40,000 individuals, and is set to launch SUNY Reconnect in fall 2025 to promote economic mobility.
Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday launched a free community college program for adult learners ages 25 to 55 pursuing degrees in high-demand fields. The program covers tuition, books and fees, expanding access to higher education and career mobility for New Yorkers without a prior degree at the State University of New York and City University of New York.
The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs aim to connect New Yorkers with opportunities and strengthen the state's workforce. Eligible students can enroll in programs in fields such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, technology, nursing and allied health.
By fall 2024, the program had supported more than 40,000 New Yorkers in returning to college. The new plan expands these efforts by offering tuition-free pathways tied directly to the needs of New York's job market.
SUNY Reconnect is scheduled to launch in fall 2025 and will serve as a tool for advancing economic mobility among working adults. Community colleges will host information sessions this summer to help prospective students learn about eligible programs.
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