NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) has secured over $15 million in federal funding from Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, as well as several members of Congress, to support various initiatives and programs across its campuses. The funds, part of the $1.2 trillion Fiscal Year 2024 bill signed into law by President Biden, mark a 25% increase from the previous year.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez expressed gratitude to the lawmakers, stating, “We thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and our representatives in Congress who are working so diligently to help CUNY further its mission to lift New York.”

Senator Schumer highlighted the importance of supporting CUNY, stating, “CUNY’s 25 campuses are the fabric of higher and continuing education in New York City, providing incredible opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds. I won’t stop fighting for resources to support CUNY, its students and research initiatives, and the safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors.”

Senator Gillibrand emphasized the significance of the funding in preparing students for success, particularly in the field of infrastructure, stating, “I’m especially proud that this funding will support the great work the Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative is doing to build a career pipeline for the next generation of infrastructure workers.”

Congress Member Adriano Espaillat highlighted the benefits of the funding for students, stating, “I was proud to secure over $4 million in federal funding to secure an official headquarters for the Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative that will benefit students from my district and across New York by increasing workforce training and providing them with new learning opportunities.”

Congress Member Nicole Malliotakis commended the funding for its impact on STEM education, stating, “This investment will allow CSI to provide biology, chemistry, physics, math and engineering students with a high-quality education and fantastic hands-on learning experience so they can thrive in their studies and become successful leaders in the STEM field.”

The federal funding will support various enhancements across CUNY, including workforce development initiatives, STEM lab upgrades, expansion of academic programs, and infrastructure improvements. Projects such as the creation of a state-of-the-art forensics and cybercrime investigations laboratory at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the establishment of an emergency operations center at the CUNY Central Office are among the initiatives to benefit from the funding.

The funds will also support initiatives at individual campuses, such as the City College of New York, College of Staten Island, Hostos Community College, and Bronx Community College, among others.

CUNY, known as the nation’s largest urban public university, continues its mission of providing quality and affordable education to students from diverse backgrounds. The recent federal funding will further strengthen CUNY’s ability to support its students academically, socially, and professionally.