NYC Education News

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NYC Expands Free 2-K With 10,000 New Seats in 2027

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to add 10,000 free 2-K seats in fall 2027, expanding New York City's early childhood education program to 22 school districts across all five boroughs. The expansion will introduce programs in 17 additional districts, including neighborhoods in East New York, Brownsville, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Bushwick and parts of Queens, while extending coverage to every Bronx school district and all of Staten Island. The initiative builds on approximately 2,000 seats launched in fall 2026 and is supported by a $1.2 billion state investment. Programs are expected to operate full-day and full-year, with family application details to be announced in the coming weeks.

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CUNY Opens 14 NYC Campuses for 2026 Election Voting

The City University of New York will provide polling locations across 14 campuses for the November 3, 2026 general election, expanding access to voting across New York City. Ten CUNY locations will host early voting from October 24 through November 1, while seven locations will serve voters on Election Day. Participating campuses include Brooklyn College, Baruch College, Queens College, City College and Hostos Community College. Early voting hours vary by date, while Election Day polls are scheduled to operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CUNY is also providing nonpartisan voter education through its CUNY Votes initiative. Residents should verify their assigned polling location through the NYC Board of Elections before traveling to a campus.

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CUNY Raises Record $312M in Donations, Up 26%

The City University of New York raised a record $312 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, a 26% increase from the previous year and the first time the university surpassed $300 million in annual fundraising. CUNY has raised nearly $1.1 billion over four years, with donations supporting scholarships, student assistance and career development across its colleges. The year's largest contribution was a $50 million gift from MacKenzie Scott to Lehman College. Brooklyn College raised $32.4 million, while Baruch College received $34.8 million. Community colleges collectively raised $36.7 million, up from $30.3 million the previous year. CUNY officials said the fundraising growth will expand resources that help students complete degrees and prepare for careers.

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Pace University Completes $200M NYC Arts Renovation

Pace University renovation, One Pace Plaza, Sands College of Performing Arts, Pace University performing arts center, $200 million Pace renovation, Lower Manhattan arts education, Kathy Hochul Pace University, NYC performing arts facilities, Empire State Development Pace, Pace University Manhattan campus

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NYC Invests $29.2M in NYU Quantum Technology Lab

New York City will award $29.2 million to New York University to establish a Quantum Fabrication Facility at 770 Broadway in Manhattan, backed by an additional $255 million commitment from NYU. Announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the 23,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2030 and provide specialized equipment for quantum research, manufacturing and testing. The project is projected to support more than 100 companies and reach over 35,000 New Yorkers during its first decade. Planned partnerships with CUNY and New York City Public Schools will offer training and career pathways. Under the agreement, the city will also receive advisory board representation and a share of certain intellectual property proceeds.

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NYU Langone Names Dr. David Cohen Dermatology Chair

NYU Langone Health has appointed David E. Cohen, MD, MPH, chair of the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, effective October 1, 2026. Dr. Cohen, who joined NYU Langone in 1994, succeeds Seth J. Orlow, MD, PhD, following his 20-year tenure as department chair. A specialist in inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, Cohen has held several clinical and academic leadership positions within the institution. His priorities include expanding patient access, advancing dermatology research and strengthening specialized services in skin cancer, skin allergy testing and dermatopathology. Dr. Orlow will remain on the medical school's faculty and continue contributing to research, education and patient care.

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Jackson Heights Gets $33.8M for First Community Center

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $33.8 million investment supporting the development of Jackson Heights' first community center and community swimming pool through the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. The project includes $10 million in state funding, $9.3 million from the New York City Council and additional federal, state and private contributions. Planned for 70-02 34th Avenue, the facility will feature a gymnasium, basketball courts, a theater and recreational spaces, with programs serving children, families and seniors. Proposed services include after-school activities, early childhood education, workforce development, health and wellness, and arts programming. The center is expected to serve up to 10,000 children when completed, although a construction completion date was not provided.

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NYC Completes Avenue B Open Street Redesign

New York City has completed a permanent redesign of the Avenue B Open Street in Manhattan's East Village, adding pedestrian space, cycling improvements and safety upgrades between East Fourth and East 14th Streets. Announced by NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn, the project includes redesigned intersections, pedestrian curb extensions, new loading zones and traffic changes intended to reduce vehicle volumes. The improvements are designed to make the corridor safer near Tompkins Square Park and neighborhood schools while maintaining access for emergency and city vehicles. NYC DOT also announced that applications are open for the 2027 Open Streets program, allowing community organizations, schools and business groups to propose similar projects across the five boroughs.

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NYU Langone Eye Drops May Reduce Corneal Transplants

NYU Langone Health researchers are presenting advances in eye disease treatment and transplantation at major ophthalmology meetings in New Orleans from October 9 through 12. A central finding comes from a randomized clinical trial examining ripasudil eye drops after a corneal procedure for Fuchs dystrophy. Among patients receiving the medication in a reported treatment group, 81% experienced complete resolution of corneal swelling, compared with 9% in the placebo group. The research suggests the approach could help some patients avoid donor corneal transplants. Additional presentations address treatments for abnormal corneal blood vessels, severe eye damage associated with vitamin A deficiency, and emerging technologies supporting research into whole-eye transplantation.