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In a move to expand opportunities for New Yorkers interested in becoming educators in critical shortage areas, has announced $14.4 million in Workforce Development awards to several colleges and universities – private and public – including ��������. Part of the State’s , the grants will be distributed through the Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program and the Alternative Teacher Certification Program.

“Every student deserves a great teacher, and every aspiring educator deserves a clear, supported path into the classroom,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing $14.4 million into training programs at SUNY, CUNY and private institutions, we’re expanding opportunity, addressing teacher shortages, and building a stronger, more equitable education system for all New Yorkers.”

CCNY is one of four institutions that will share $9.9 million earmarked for the Alternative Teacher Certification Program. Bank Street Graduate School of Education, Adelphi University and the University at Buffalo, SUNY, are the other recipients. 

The Alternative Teacher Certification Program is a pathway to the teaching profession that may help reduce time and cost barriers for candidates interested in a teaching career. The program provides funding to expand existing alternative teacher certification programs or develop and implement new high-quality, research-based, graduate-level alternative teacher certification programs.

In addition to this, two other schools -- SUNY New Paltz and Queens College, CUNY – will receive $4.5 million under the Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program. This program is for teaching assistants and paraprofessionals who are an essential part of the teacher pipeline given their prior classroom experience and strong connections to the communities they serve. 

“CUNY is proud to build and strengthen New York’s teaching workforce and remains grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in this critical industry,” said CUNY Chancellor . “This new support will help Queens College and City College expand pathways for talented, dedicated educators to enter the profession and uplift the communities we serve.”

CUNY Board of Trustees Chairperson .  applauded Governor Hochul for this substantial investment in CUNY and New York City Public Schools. 

“CUNY has always played a significant role in producing the most talented and passionate educators in the New York City school system,” said Thompson. “Governor Hochul’s Workforce Development Award grants will expand access to more CUNY students who are interested in the teaching profession, and will enable us to address the workforce shortages in our public schools. This program will be incredibly important to our future teachers and students in New York City.”

 CCNY President Vincent G. Boudreau said: “I am deeply gratified by Governor Hochul's visionary investment in City College's workforce development programs, especially as we position them to respond to the rapid changes in our economy. CCNY must be nimble enough to seize every opportunity to help develop the labor force, and the ongoing revitalization of America’s infrastructure represents a remarkable such opportunity. The Rangel Infrastructure and Workforce  Development Initiative represents a tremendous step forward for the college and for New York’s workforce and this grant is key to insuring its success."