Chancellor King Joins Cayuga to Celebrate Healthcare Workforce Funding, Highlight Initiatives Geared Toward Attracting Adult Learners

Funding Will Support a New Allied Health Pathways Specialist Position, Expanded Mental Health Counseling Services, and New Telehealth Talk Therapy Services for Students

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today met with Cayuga Community College President Brian Durant, students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the college's expanded healthcare workforce training and investments in mental health resources for students made possible by $8 million in additional Direct State Tax Support, the first increase in such funding in almost ten years, by Governor Kathy Hochul and the legislature in the 2024/25 enacted State budget.

During his campus visit, Chancellor King discussed SUNY’s role in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in New York State while also highlighting the importance of increasing mental health support services during a stop at the campus’ wellness center which offers mental health professionals at both Cayuga campuses and is accessible for 24-hour support service.

“Our community colleges, like Cayuga, are transforming lives every day. From workforce development initiatives strengthened by the $8 million allocated last year to expand healthcare programs and increase student support, to the newly launched Adult Learner Leadership Initiative, these efforts are making a real difference,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “Thanks to the continued support of Governor Hochul and the Legislature, SUNY is successfully preparing the future workforce of New York State."

Cayuga Community College President Durant said, “Governor Hochul and our State Legislature have always been steadfast supporters of community colleges and our role in guiding students toward their academic and career aspirations. Funding for expanded healthcare workforce trainings and mental health resources for students — not to mention the Governor’s pioneering proposal to make community college more accessible for adult learners — demonstrates their confidence in our students and their future. We are deeply appreciative of their support, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our students the communities we serve.”

As part of the $8 million allocated from the 2024/25 Enacted State Budget, Cayuga Community College is using its portion of funding to recruit a new Allied Health Pathways Specialist that will enhance pathways for health program pipelines and build new health program-related community partnerships. Funding will also support expanded mental health counseling services and implementing a new telehealth talk therapy service for students.

While touring Cayuga Community College’s new Workforce Development Center, Chancellor King discussed Governor Hochul’s free community college proposal to help New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 receive a high-quality education in high-demand fields. Governor Hochul recently announced $1.1 million in grant funding for the SUNY Adult Learner Leadership Initiative to help community colleges – including Cayuga – increase access and ensure degree completion for adult learners.

Cayuga Community College is set to receive $50,000 to support marketing and recruitment efforts tailored to adult learners through this initiative. This funding will also allow the campus to expand use of co-requisite models to address gaps in academic preparation, increase availability of academic offerings and non-academic support as well as transparency on course schedules and advance course scheduling.  

Cayuga Community College was also part of SUNY’s 25 campus expansion of the nationally recognized student success programs, ASAP and ACE. In its first year at SUNY, 25 campuses implemented ASAP and ACE to support 4,270 students, and participating campuses are already seeing higher retention and credit attainment rates, including 140 students enrolled in ASAP at the start of the 2024-25 academic year at Cayuga Community College. Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State agenda will make it possible to sustain ASAP|ACE and expand it statewide to reach 10,000 SUNY students.