“Gov. Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address sets forth an agenda that champions opportunity, prioritizes affordability, and harnesses the transformative power of public higher education. These initiatives will not only safeguard CUNY’s ability to deliver a first-class education to every student, regardless of background, but will also amplify our impact as a driving force for upward mobility across New York. 

“The Governor recognizes the importance of keeping public higher education affordable to all New Yorkers by continuing to hold the line on tuition and increasing operating aid. This focus on affordability is critically important for CUNY, where 75% of students graduate debt-free, and particularly for adult learners pursuing new professions in fast-growing industries.

“To help these adult learners, the Governor is redoubling her investment in the Reconnect program. Launched last year, Reconnect provides free community college for adults pursuing degrees in high-demand fields and has already helped nearly 6,000 New Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 55 enroll at a CUNY community college. Now, with its expansion to support more students, including former foster youth, and more career paths, such as air traffic control, transportation and emergency management, New York is making clear that it’s never too late to forge a new path.

“Building on her longstanding efforts to expand career preparation and paid internships, the Governor’s investment in CUNY’s signature career-connected learning initiative will ensure that college remains an effective launch pad for the future and bolster CUNY’s key role in the development of our state’s workforce. Not only will this enable students to graduate with the direction, connections, and professional skills necessary to thrive, but it will benefit New York in turn. Launched last fall, CUNY Beyond is designed to connect 180,000 New Yorkers to careers by 2030, drive $3 billion in wage growth for CUNY students, and provide a $700 million return on public investment. 

“The plan also tackles some of higher education’s most pressing challenges, creating emergency funds so students are not a paycheck away from dropping out and adding critical support for veterans and students with disabilities.

“Lastly, CUNY is proud to join the Governor’s ambitious childcare plan by expanding the pipeline of qualified educators to meet the needs of New York families. As a University where nearly 25,000 students are parents themselves, we know that access to high-quality and affordable childcare is critical to removing barriers to social mobility.

“We’re grateful to Gov. Hochul for her ambitious education initiatives since 2022 and continued support for public higher education. We look forward to delivering on her vision of New York as a beacon for opportunity and upward mobility.”

By Félix V. Matos Rodríguez