Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of $14.4 million in Workforce Development Awards to support education workforce training programs at higher education institutions across New York State. The funding is distributed through two initiatives: the Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program and the Alternative Teacher Certification Program. These grants are part of a broader effort to address teacher shortages and expand pathways for aspiring educators.
“Every student deserves a great teacher, and every aspiring educator deserves a clear, supported path into the classroom,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing $14.4 million into training programs at SUNY, CUNY and private institutions, we’re expanding opportunity, addressing teacher shortages, and building a stronger, more equitable education system for all New Yorkers.”
The Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program supports teaching assistants and paraprofessionals in obtaining initial teacher certification through registered baccalaureate-level programs. The Alternative Teacher Certification Program offers an alternative route to teaching credentials by reducing time and cost barriers for those entering the profession.
Grant recipients under the Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program include SUNY New Paltz and Queens College (CUNY). The Alternative Teacher Certification Program awarded grants to Bank Street Graduate School of Education, Adelphi University, University at Buffalo (SUNY), and City College of New York (CUNY). Of the total funding, $4.5 million was allocated to upskilling paraprofessionals while $9.9 million went toward alternative certification efforts. This year’s grant funding marks an increase of nearly $1 million compared to last year.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr., stated: “Congratulations to all the campuses selected for Governor Hochul’s generous grant programs that support high-quality training for those passionate about a career in the classroom – especially our very own SUNY New Paltz and University at Buffalo. SUNY is proud to be New York State’s largest educator preparation institution, and we look forward to continuing to provide future teachers with the training and resources they need to educate the next generation of New Yorkers.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees commented: “For New York State to be able to offer a world-class education to our students, we need to have world-class educators, and that is what Governor Hochul’s investment in teaching training programs that fill critical shortage areas will help achieve. Congratulations to SUNY New Paltz and the University at Buffalo, as well as the other recipient institutions, on earning these development awards and stepping up to help empower future educators.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodriguez added: “CUNY is proud to build and strengthen New York’s teaching workforce and remains grateful to Gov. Hochul for investing in this critical industry. This new support will help Queens College and City College expand pathways for talented, dedicated educators to enter the profession and uplift the communities we serve.”
CUNY Board of Trustees Chairperson William C. Thompson Jr., said: “We applaud Governor Hochul for this substantial investment in CUNY and NYC Public Schools. CUNY has always played a significant role in producing the most talented and passionate educators in the New York City school system. Governor Hochul’s Workforce Development Award grants will expand access to more CUNY students who are interested in the teaching profession, and will enable us to address the workforce shortages in our public schools. This program will be incredibly important to our future teachers and students in New York City.”
Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities President Lola W. Brabham noted: “Governor Hochul’s $14.4 million investment in educator workforce development is a powerful step toward strengthening New York’s teaching pipeline… By supporting both the Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program and Alternative Teacher Certification Program, the state is removing barriers and accelerating opportunities for those who already serve our schools and communities…”
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky stated: “As a former New York City public high school teacher…This investment eliminates barriers…and providing alternative certification programs for those changing careers…I commend Governor Hochul…for prioritizing educator pipelines…”
State Senator Shelley B Mayer said: “I am pleased the Educator Workforce Grant has received additional funding…When we talk about investing in the future of our children…we must start with investing in those who teach…This funding affirms our commitment…”
The State University of New York (SUNY) serves approximately 1.4 million students across its 64 colleges statewide—making it one of America’s largest higher education systems—and conducts almost one quarter of academic research activity within New York State each year.
The City University of New York (CUNY), founded as America’s first free public university system over 175 years ago, enrolls nearly 240,000 undergraduate/graduate students across its five boroughs campuses annually.
