New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that 22 community colleges statewide will share more than $1.1 million in grants designed to expand access and support for adult learners. The funding is part of a broader effort to help New Yorkers pursue degrees and credentials that open the door to jobs in high-demand fields such as health care, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and green jobs.
The grants, awarded through the State University of New York’s (SUNY) Adult Learner Leadership Initiative, will enable participating institutions to implement comprehensive action plans that break down barriers for students aged 25 and older. Measures include targeted marketing and recruitment, expanded credit for prior learning, flexible scheduling, and wraparound support services aimed at creating a stronger sense of belonging on campus.
More than one in four students at SUNY community colleges is age 25 or older, and nearly two-thirds of these students attend part time. In addition, an estimated 1.5 million working-age New Yorkers have completed some college coursework but have not yet earned a degree. The new grants are intended to meet adult learners “where they are” and help them complete the education that can lead to career advancement.
Under the initiative, campuses will use the grant funds to develop strategies tailored to the unique needs of adult students. Many of the projects include increased transparency in course scheduling, the availability of academic and nonacademic support during evenings and weekends, and the use of online and blended learning formats. Award amounts range from approximately $37,200 to $50,000 per institution.
The funding builds on Gov. Hochul’s recent proposal to offer free community college tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults ages 25 to 55 pursuing degrees in high-demand fields at public universities. The proposal is part of a multifaceted commitment to making higher education more affordable and creating workforce development opportunities that help every New Yorker access jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Community colleges will have until July to finalize their action plans, with implementation beginning no later than the fall 2025 semester. The grants are made possible through the SUNY Transformation Fund championed in the 2023-24 state budget.
The initiative marks a continued commitment by Gov. Hochul’s administration to expand educational opportunities and support workforce development across New York, aiming to provide transformative pathways for adults seeking to enhance their career prospects.
