A new collaboration has been announced between the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, the State University of New York (SUNY), and the City University of New York (CUNY) to help injured workers access free community college education. The initiative aims to promote the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs, which offer free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults aged 25 to 55 who do not have a college degree and want to pursue an associate degree in high-demand fields.
The Workers’ Compensation Board is reaching out to recently injured workers by sending over 5,000 mailers and launching a dedicated webpage at wcb.ny.gov/reconnect to raise awareness about these educational opportunities. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors from the Board will work with injured workers to identify those eligible for the program and connect them with available resources.
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “SUNY and CUNY Reconnect are life-changing programs that have already helped thousands of New Yorkers seize new opportunities to earn degrees in high-demand fields. As we work to expand these programs and include new degree opportunities, I also want to ensure that every eligible New Yorker is aware of the opportunities they have to earn a degree, secure a good job, and help move New York forward.”
NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster commented on the importance of this initiative: “It can be devastating when a worker’s injury or illness prevents them from going back to their same job. Free college through the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs can give these injured workers not just hope, but real skills and degrees, as they work toward a better future.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated, “Under Governor Hochul, New Yorkers have more opportunities than ever before to access an excellent and affordable education, earn a degree in a high-demand field, and achieve upward mobility while helping to power the state’s economic growth. This partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board is an excellent example of Governor Hochul utilizing the many tools at her disposal to benefit New Yorkers and our state as a whole.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees added, “We applaud Governor Hochul for promoting the SUNY Reconnect program with injured New Yorkers who may be seeking new opportunities to enter the workforce as part of their recovery efforts. Through the strong support of Governor Hochul and state leaders, SUNY Reconnect has helped inspire thousands of New Yorkers to earn degrees as adult learners, and we will continue to provide opportunities at community colleges throughout the state.”
CUNY Chancellor FĂ©lix V. Matos RodrĂguez said, “This partnership reflects our shared focus on meeting New Yorkers where they are in their lives and expanding access to higher education as a powerful pathway to economic mobility and a better future. We are excited that CUNY Reconnect is opening doors for injured workers to gain skills, earn degrees and re-enter the workforce with added confidence and purpose. We thank Governor Hochul for helping to extend the opportunities of higher education to even more New Yorkers.”
The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs target associate’s degrees in areas such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, technology, nursing/allied health fields, green energy sectors, renewable energy careers https://www.cuny.edu/, as well as pathways into teaching shortage areas.
Governor Hochul’s recent budget proposal includes $12.5 million for expanding eligibility so more adult learners can prepare for jobs in logistics https://www.cuny.edu/, air traffic control/transportation management https://www.cuny.edu/, emergency management https://www.cuny.edu/, or return for nursing if they already hold another degree—building on an initial $47 million investment made previously.
Support services offered by the Workers’ Compensation Board include resume development assistance https://wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/lp_services.jsp , job search help https://wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/lp_services.jsp , employer connections regarding light or alternative duties https://wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/lp_services.jsp , plus clinical social work support—all provided at no cost.
Additionally, legislation proposed by Governor Hochul would allow all eligible licensed medical providers in good standing—not just those specially authorized—to treat injured workers under workers’ compensation coverage.
The State University of New York system serves about 1.7 million students across its 64 campuses statewide; more than three million alumni live worldwide www.suny.edu . The City University of New York enrolls around 247,000 students annually across its colleges within all five boroughs www.cuny.edu .
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