New York to Send 5,000+ Notices to Injured Workers About Free SUNY/CUNY Community College Options
Albany, N.Y. — New York is launching a new effort to connect injured workers with free community college, pairing the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board with SUNY and CUNY to promote the SUNY/CUNY Reconnect programs.
The collaboration, announced Friday, Feb. 6, will target adults ages 25 to 55 who do not already hold a college degree and want to earn an associate degree in a high-demand field. The state says Reconnect covers tuition, fees, books and supplies for eligible students.
As part of the outreach, the Workers’ Compensation Board said it is sending more than 5,000 mailers to recently injured workers and has created a new information page at wcb.ny.gov/reconnect. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors who already work with injured New Yorkers returning to work will help identify eligible workers and connect them to enrollment steps.
State officials framed the effort as a workforce and recovery support, pointing to jobs in areas such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering and technology, nursing and allied health, green energy, and pathways to teaching in shortage areas.
What parents should know: If a parent or caregiver in your household is recovering from a work-related injury, ask your Workers’ Comp vocational rehab counselor about training options—and check program eligibility before choosing a major. Families may also want to plan for class schedules and childcare needs as adults return to school.
Officials said updates on expanded degree options are expected as part of the governor’s 2026 agenda and budget discussions.
