October 5, 2026
FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new expansion of her free community college initiative for New Yorkers between ages 25 and 55, as part of her nation-leading actions to proactively address the unprecedented impacts of AI on the workforce. 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 increase access for tens of thousands more adult learners by allowing individuals with existing credentials to pivot careers and gain valuable qualifications in high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing 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.
This expansion also comes just days after federal data showed that New York State had the fastest-growing economy in the nation in the second quarter of 2026. New York’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 4.0 percent from the first quarter to the second, which was the highest of any state and nearly double the national growth rate of 2.2 percent. “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.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “SUNY Reconnect has expanded opportunities for adult learners throughout New York State by empowering them to pursue the next steps in their careers. We thank Governor Hochul and state leaders for their unwavering commitment to supporting adult learners, and for investing in programs that address our state’s most pressing workforce needs.”
