City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez today
CUNY
City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez today visited students at Queensborough Community College
Nearly 10,000 adult learners are attending CUNY through New York's Reconnect program, which provides free community college education for eligible adults pursuing degrees in high-demand fields. Preliminary CUNY data show enrollment in the program increased nearly 50% between fall 2025 and fall 2026, reaching 9,786 students across the university system. More than 1,200 participants attend Queensborough Community College, where students are pursuing fields including nursing, computer science, cybersecurity and engineering technology. The program covers tuition and provides assistance for books and supplies for eligible adults ages 25 to 55. This fall, Reconnect also expanded to additional CUNY campuses, while eligibility was broadened to include certain students pursuing nursing degrees.
CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez Visits Students Pursuing Health and Engineering Degrees Through Governor Hochul’s Reconnect Program at Queensborough Community College
The Classes Are Part of New York State’s Free Community College Initiative for Adult Learners in High-Demand Fields
Enrollment in the Program Grew Nearly 50% Between Fall 2025 and Fall 2026, Enabling Nearly 10,000 Adult Learners to Enroll at CUNY
City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez today visited students at Queensborough Community College (QCC) who are earning degrees through Governor Hochul’s Reconnect program, which provides free community college tuition for adult learners in vital industries. Launched last year, the program expanded this fall to three additional campuses — College of Staten Island, New York City College of Technology and Medgar Evers College. Starting this year, adult learners with a prior degree also qualify for the free tuition program if they pursue a nursing degree.
“An associate degree can unlock opportunities and provide a path to academic and professional success at any age, but it’s especially beneficial for adult learners who may want to upskill or change careers,” said Chancellor Matos Rodríguez. “Governor Hochul’s Reconnect program sends an important message: It’s never too late to start over. Whether you’re an aspiring nurse or software engineer, you can come back to CUNY for free through Reconnect.”
During the visit, which took place at QCC’s engineering technology lab, the Chancellor met students from several Reconnect-eligible fields, including health and computer sciences and cybersecurity. The students showcased how their coursework incorporates state-of-the-art technology to prepare for professional success. Demonstrations included transmitting wireless messages to a computer screen and using 3D printers to fabricate items to specified dimensions.
“At Queensborough we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity must be within reach,” said Queensborough President Christine Mangino. “CUNY Reconnect has provided an access point for adult learners to complete their degree and obtain greater economic mobility. We are especially pleased that Queensborough welcomed one of the largest groups of eligible students during the program’s first year, demonstrating our commitment to supporting adult learners and preparing all students for success in today’s workforce.”
Never Too Late to Learn
New York is home to four million working-age adults without a college degree or credential. To support these individuals, Governor Hochul launched Reconnect last fall to provide free tuition, advising and financial support for books and supplies to adults ages 25 to 55 seeking degrees in high-demand fields.
One of those students is David Li, 28, a QCC student who, after nearly a decade away, returned to college to pursue a degree in computer science. “It was the biggest second-chance opportunity. If I didn’t have Reconnect, I believe my life would be a lot worse right now,” said Li.
Reconnect has distributed more than $3 million in financial assistance and currently enrolls 9,786 adult learners at CUNY. Enrollment in the program grew nearly 50% at CUNY between Fall 2025 and Fall 2026, according to preliminary data. More than 1,200 students attend QCC through the program.
“Reconnect is changing lives in Queens,” said Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Toby Ann Stavisky. “Nearly 10,000 adult learners are now enrolled at CUNY through this program, including more than 1,200 at Queensborough. These students are training to become nurses, engineers, and cybersecurity professionals. They are filling jobs our state urgently needs. I’d like to thank CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez for his commitment and leadership. I’d also like to thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for including appropriations in the budget to fund these programs and make college within reach for New Yorkers aged 25 – 55 ready to take the next step.”
“Higher education should be within reach for New Yorkers at every stage of life and CUNY Reconnect is helping make that a reality for thousands of adult learners,” said Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education. “By removing the financial barriers to earning a degree in high-demand fields, we are giving New Yorkers the opportunity to build new careers, strengthen their families, and contribute to the workforce. These students are proof that when we invest in access and affordability, we invest in New York’s future.”
QCC nursing student Lewis Miranda, age 33, described how Reconnect gave him the financial support necessary to return to higher education after previously attending college in 2011. “This opportunity program has been a godsend. It’s helped out so much. I’m really grateful for it,” said Miranda, who currently works as a vet technician but is hoping to transition into a nursing career. “I would like to just translate it into helping people.”
Students like Miranda are also crucial to the Governor’s ongoing efforts to meet the growing shortage in health providers. By 2030, New York is projected to have a shortage of nearly 40,000 nurses, particularly in underrepresented communities. Systemwide, the University graduates 1,800 nurses annually on average, which represents about half of all nurses entering New York City’s workforce each year.
New Yorkers interested in attending CUNY through Reconnect can visit www.cuny.edu/reconnect to learn more.
Source: City University of New York
