Funds help students stay on track through proven, cost-effective support; address housing and food insecurity; and increase economic mobility.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced direction to advance a $75 million SUNY Transformation Fund to increase student success, support innovation and help meet the state’s future workforce needs. As part of the Governor’s historic investment in SUNY and higher education in the 2024 Budget, the Transformation Fund is designed to help students stay on track to earning a college degree or certificate through proven, cost-effective support while Address housing and food insecurity, and increase economic mobility.
“High-quality public higher education is an engine of social mobility and has the power to change lives, as it did for my own family,” Governor Hocher said. “My administration is committed to creating the best public educational institutions in the nation so that more students can create bright futures for themselves and be equipped to take on the jobs of the future.”
All SUNY campuses will receive funding for the 2023-2024 academic year, as approved by the SUNY Regents. Transformation funds will also be used to strengthen student support services, improve academic programs, increase enrollment and modernize campus operations.
SUNY President John B. King, Jr. said: “Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, SUNY has received unprecedented investment to support system-wide and campus-wide initiatives to open the doors to a college education for all New Yorkers. Through the Transformation Fund, SUNY and our 64 campuses will base funding on evidence-based strategies to prepare more students for demanding jobs and overcome barriers that prevent students from completing their studies in a timely manner.”
New York State Senator and Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee Toby Ann Stawiski said:“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I have worked closely with the Assembly and the Governor’s office to secure a historic investment in the SUNY system. We know that New York’s future depends on educating the next generation of healthcare workers, technology innovators and”
Patricia Fahy, Chair of Higher Education at the Assembly, said“We know that for New York students to be successful academically and otherwise on our college campuses and at the University, they must have a strong and comprehensive support system. This includes supporting students with housing, food insecurity, and more, while Make sure they are workforce-ready, career-ready, and fill the high-demand and skilled jobs of the economy of the future. I am proud that New York’s FY 2024 budget has committed the resources necessary to meet these essential needs, This will ultimately ensure that more students can achieve their dream of higher education and strengthen our economy. I commend Governor Hochul, Chancellor King and Senate Higher Education Chair Toby Ann Stavisky for their work in making the SUNY Transformation Fund a reality , collaboration and vision.”
Rob Anderson, president of the Association of State Higher Education Administrators, said:’, “SUNY is a leader in transitional programs that support students’ transition to higher education and the workforce. We applaud New York State for this significant investment in student success and look forward to seeing the impact of putting student needs first. “
Sameer Gadkaree, Director of the Institute for College Access and Success said“, “We are pleased to see New York State investing statewide in a comprehensive approach to student success that has been proven in New York and nationally to help more students complete their degrees and enter successful careers . New York State’s investment could serve as a model that other states can replicate. “
Campuses will submit plans in the following categories:
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At least half of each campus’ allocation must be used for:-
Enhancing economic mobility by expanding opportunities for education and workforce training: Collaborate with employers in high-demand fields such as semiconductor-related professions, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy to expand education and workforce training opportunities; and expand student and adult learner workforce development programs that meet regional needs. -
Increase retention and completion rates of degree-seeking students: Replicate the highly successful evidence-based completion program models Accelerated Learning by Associate Program (ASAP) and Accelerate. Complete and Engage (ACE), a randomized controlled trial, shows that it can significantly improve associate degree and bachelor’s degree completion rates and help close opportunity gaps. Support includes tuition fee waivers, commuter and textbook assistance, academic assistance, comprehensive individualized advising and career development activities.
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Up to half of the grants per campus may be used for:-
Expand or initiate a seamless transfer pathway: Expand or initiate joint/automatic admissions programs between community colleges and baccalaureate degree-granting institutions (such as the Binghamton Advantage Program), improve transfer advising and streamline the credit evaluation process, and enhance or create orientation and advising programs specifically for transfer students , to enhance the transfer student’s ability to transition and enhance the student’s sense of belonging to the undergraduate institution. -
Improve operational efficiency and eliminate redundancies: Develop and implement shared services and administrative functions to streamline service delivery and realize cost savings on campus, and increase regional specialization to provide more targeted recruitment efforts and respond to local workforce needs. An example of this work is co-enrolled high-cost programs where students complete general education requirements at one campus and receive specialized education and training at another campus. -
Provide essential student support to underserved target populations: Address barriers faced by specific student groups (e.g. Pell recipients, students with insecure housing, veterans, students with disabilities) through clearly defined supports, such as using evidence-based models to address food insecurity, mental health, and transportation solutions .
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