Recently New York State’s Governor, Kathy Hochul, has proposed a plan to get rid of college tuition for those who attend any SUNY or CUNY community college and are between the ages of 25-55.
As a part of her plans for the new year, Hochul hopes to create more opportunities for those looking to pursue an associates degree and further their careers in high demand jobs around the state.
Investments and Plans for the Future
During her proposal speech at Onondaga Community College, she expressed her personal feelings towards this plan explaining that her fathers college education changed their family’s lives for the better. She hopes she can provide the same opportunity for all New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul said, “Under my plan, every New Yorker will have the chance to pursue a free associate degree at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to help fill the in-demand jobs of tomorrow.”
The FY 2025 Enacted Budget included an expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program. The historic increase of numbers will allow more NYS residents to finally afford a college degree.
In her 2025 State of the State address, she also mentioned that her proposal includes fees, books, and supplies at any SUNY or CUNY community college. Governor Hochul hopes that her proposal will prove to Micron Technology that the region is ready for their support as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
The new Micron semiconductor facility is set to be built in Clay, NY around November of this year. The $100 billion investment is one of the largest economic development projects in the history of the U.S.
Career Expansion
Micron has announced that their manufacturing facilities are expected to create 50,000 jobs over the next 20 years in NY alone. This includes 9,000 direct Micron jobs and around 40,000 indirect jobs.
The complex is expected to be 2.4 million square feet and overall enhance our national security by allowing the expansion of chipmaking in Clay.
With so many jobs arranged to be available within the next few years, Governor Hochul’s plan to strengthen U.S. economic stability and innovation starts with helping NY residents afford a college degree.
New Programs
The President of Onondaga Community College, Warren Hilton, expressed to the Governor the preparation going into planning for the new future with Micron. Hilton says there will be expanded enrollment in programs related to in-demand jobs.
On top of expanded enrollment, Hilton shared the campus’s $15 million construction site which will simulate the Micron Lab on campus. This site, which is set to be finished by 2026, will be made possible by Hochul’s plan to make higher education more affordable and aid the state’s workforce by filling in jobs.
Empire State Development Officer, Hope Knight said, “Innovative, cutting-edge industries are growing in New York State because our dynamic workforce is being well-equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the good-paying jobs we are helping to create”.
Governor Hochul’s proposal will only make the future for the state and its people more secure. Without a form of a college degree, a long lasting career in high demand jobs around the state can be challenging for many people.
Increase in Enrollment and Opportunities
Ever since Micron has announced its plan to build the semiconductor facility in Clay, community colleges from around the area have seen an increase in their program enrollments.
Here in Cortland, students still in high school have been introduced to Micron Technology through BOCES. This past April, students were able to have a hands-on day with Micron employees who introduced them into a glimpse of their world.
TC3 has already partnered with Micron Technology to prepare students for their future careers in the semiconductor industry. Programs offer micro-credentials that will teach students skills specifically needed in this field of work.
Governor Hochul’s plan for free community college will take place sometime this year.
With the help of a paid tuition, associate degrees will be easier to achieve. Hochul hopes this will promote a sustainable economic opportunity for the people of New York.