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New York Launches Program to Help Injured Workers Return to School
SUNY and CUNY partner with Workers' Compensation Board to provide free college access
Feb. 7, 2026 at 1:15pm
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Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new collaboration between the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), and the New York Workers' Compensation Board to support injured workers in returning to school. Through the program, the Workers' Compensation Board's Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors will work with injured workers to connect them to free college programs offered by SUNY and CUNY.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to provide injured workers with greater access to education and job training, helping them achieve upward mobility and supporting New York's economic growth. By leveraging the resources of the public university systems, the state is creating pathways for injured workers to gain new skills and qualifications.
The details
The Workers' Compensation Board already provides various support services to injured workers, including resume development, job search assistance, and connections with employers. This new partnership will expand those services to include free access to SUNY and CUNY college programs, enabling injured workers to earn degrees in high-demand fields.
- The new collaboration was announced by Governor Hochul on February 7, 2026.
The players
Governor Kathy Hochul
The Governor of New York who announced the new partnership between SUNY, CUNY, and the Workers' Compensation Board.
John B. King Jr.
The Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), who praised the initiative as an excellent example of utilizing state resources to benefit New Yorkers.
New York Workers' Compensation Board
The state agency that provides support services to injured workers, and will now work to connect them to free college programs through SUNY and CUNY.
State University of New York (SUNY)
The public university system of New York that will offer free college programs to injured workers through the new partnership.
City University of New York (CUNY)
The public university system of New York City that will also offer free college programs to injured workers as part of the new initiative.
What they’re saying
“Under Governor Hochul, New Yorkers have more opportunities than ever before to access an excellent and affordable education, earn a degree in a high-demand field, and achieve upward mobility while helping to power the state's economic growth.”
— John B. King Jr., SUNY Chancellor
What’s next
The new partnership between the Workers' Compensation Board, SUNY, and CUNY will begin immediately, with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors working to connect injured workers to the free college programs.
The takeaway
This initiative demonstrates New York's commitment to supporting injured workers and providing them with the resources and opportunities to retrain and reenter the workforce. By leveraging the state's public university systems, the program aims to create pathways for economic mobility and contribute to the state's overall economic growth.
