PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Free college courses could soon come to the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY).
It’s one of Governor Kathy Hochul’s priorities that was announced this week in her State of the State Address. She says she wants the community colleges to offer free classes, which includes tuition and supplies, for adult learners ages 25 to 55.
The hope is that it would spur education to in demand fields, like nursing and advanced manufacturing.
Clinton Community College Administrator in Charge Ken Knelly says the incentive would bolster recruiting efforts in the north country. “If adult learners would have an incentive to pursue that or one more barrier removed, such as tuition, that would, a, help them with a pathway in their career they are looking for but also help the employers who are trying to find folks in these areas,” he said.
Knelly said Hochul’s proposal could also drive more students towards earning their four-year degree.