A new collaboration has been launched between the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, SUNY, and CUNY to promote free community college access for adult learners who have suffered work-related injuries. The initiative encourages injured workers to take advantage of the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs, which offer free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults aged 25-55 pursuing associate degrees 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.
“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,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “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.”
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors from the Workers’ Compensation Board will identify eligible injured workers and connect them with the free college programs. The aim is to support individuals as they learn new skills or pursue different careers after an injury or illness prevents them from returning to their previous jobs.
NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster stated, “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. added, “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 commented: “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 Félix V. Matos Rodríguez 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 initiative was included in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address. It targets students aged 25-55 seeking associate degrees in areas such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering technology, nursing/allied health fields, green energy sectors, or teaching in shortage areas.
Governor Hochul announced plans during her 2026 State of the State address for further expansion of these programs.
Additionally, under next year’s budget proposal (FY27), $12.5 million would go toward expanding eligibility for adult learners preparing for careers including logistics management or emergency response roles; it would also simplify pathways back into nursing for those already holding prior degrees—building on an earlier $47 million investment established in FY26.
Support services provided by Vocational Rehabilitation staff include resume assistance/job searches; employer connections regarding modified duties; plus access licensed clinical social workers—all offered at no cost (more details available at wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/lp_services.jsp).
The Governor’s legislative agenda also proposes allowing all eligible licensed medical providers—not just specially authorized ones—to treat injured workers.
SUNY operates 64 colleges/universities across New York State with nearly three million alumni worldwide; more than one-third of all degree-holding residents attended SUNY institutions (see suny.edu). CUNY serves approximately 247,000 students across its campuses within NYC’s five boroughs; over 80 percent remain local post-graduation (details at https://www.cuny.edu). The NYS Workers’ Compensation Board oversees benefits administration statewide (learn more at www.wcb.ny.gov).