Center for an Urban Future Statement on Governor Kathy Hochul's State of the State Address

The Center for an Urban Future applauds Governor Kathy Hochul for proposing new investments to help adult learners enroll in and succeed at CUNY and SUNY. This is a hugely important step to boost economic mobility in New York and strengthen the economy. Adult learners make up nearly one-third (29.3 percent) of all undergraduates at CUNY's community colleges, as our research has shown, but too many of these older students are not getting to the college finish line. Governor Hochul's proposal to make community college tuition-free in high-demand fields can help thousands more New Yorkers start and finish degrees, provide a major boost to incomes, and supercharge the impact of CUNY Reconnect. Going forward, there are other important steps the state should take to boost college and career outcomes for New York's adult learners, including by eliminating unpaid balances, bolstering CUNY ACE, and expanding evidence-backed supports to part-time students.

The Center for an Urban Future is a leading NYC think tank focused on boosting economic mobility in New York City.