Today's workforce requires significantly more educated workers to meet the demands of evolving industries. At the same time, around 25% of New Yorkers have a high school diploma or GED as their highest level of education. To meet this challenge, SUNY's community colleges have a significant portfolio dedicated to workforce development, offering credit and non-credit training to prepare workers to enter or grow in positions within their region.
Recognizing that higher education can be the pathway to economic opportunity and upward mobility, New York State enacted Governor Hochul's proposal to make a SUNY Community College associate degree in high-demand fields free for adults between the ages of 25 and 55 without a prior college degree through the SUNY Reconnect Program.
The 2025/26 Enacted State Budget included $8.0M in additional Direct State Tax Support for the 30 Community Colleges, representing the first time in decades that community colleges have received two consecutive years of State operating aid increases. This new investment will be used for program expansion and support in health care, advanced manufacturing, green jobs and sustainability, and/or cybersecurity/IT/AI, pursuant to a plan submitted by each campus.
As the largest public higher education system in the nation, SUNY is uniquely positioned to develop New York State's semiconductor workforce at each level of need. From the construction, HVAC, pipefitters, and electricians needed to construct a fab; to the technicians, process engineers and scientists who directly support chip manufacturing, and the semiconductor technology researchers and developers that drive chip innovation, SUNY serves all these education needs.
SUNY's Registered Apprenticeship Program is a structured training opportunity where individuals receive hands-on experience and educational instruction to learn a particular occupation, trade, or skill. These programs are overseen by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to ensure they meet quality standards and provide valuable training. For employers in New York, Registered Apprenticeship programs offer a reliable method to train new talent tailored to specific needs, fostering a skilled workforce, and boosting productivity. Apprentices benefit from gaining practical skills, recognized certifications, and opportunities for career advancement and higher wages.