Community college will be free for adults pursuing select degrees, according to a recent announcement by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The governor had previously pitched the free community college program in January. According to Higher Ed Dive, Hochul proposed that the program could be an answer to alleviate the workforce gaps in critical, low-staffed jobs.
The program, named the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, will accept students with no degrees between the ages of 25 to 55 to earn an associate degree in fields needed fields including teaching, nursing and engineering, with no tuition payments. The program will be funded by an allocated budget of $28.2 million to the State University of New York and $18.8 million to the City University of New York.
Onondaga Community College President Dr. Warren Hilton and Cayuga Community College President Dr. Brian Durant released statements celebrating the program’s announcement.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their historic investment in community colleges, which will significantly enhance financial access to higher education for adult learners. This forward-thinking initiative, coupled with Onondaga Community College’s unwavering commitment to educating the workforce of tomorrow, promises a bright and prosperous future for Central New York,” said Warren Hilton.
“Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and our State Legislature, New York has again demonstrated its unswerving dedication to SUNY and the value of higher education in today’s world. The new free community college initiative for adult learners ages 25-55 is an inspired plan, creating avenues for students to access degrees and training for sought-after careers…” said Durant.
