CUNY seeks funding for Fresh Start and Flex initiatives to aid students

New York City officials are taking significant steps to enhance educational access for CUNY students by addressing small financial barriers that often prevent them from completing their degrees. During a recent government meeting, stakeholders discussed the launch of the CUNY Fresh Start initiative, aimed at clearing unpaid balances of at least $1,000 for students who have started but not completed their degrees. This initiative is expected to help thousands of New Yorkers, particularly those with some college credits but no degree, re-enroll and pursue their educational goals.

Currently, over 640,000 working-age New Yorkers have some college credits but lack a degree, with unpaid balances often cited as a major obstacle. Research indicates that even small debts, sometimes as low as $250, can deter students from returning to school. The Fresh Start initiative builds on the success of the CUNY Reconnect program, which has already assisted more than 47,000 individuals, primarily women and people of color, in resuming their education.

In addition to financial relief, the meeting highlighted the need for comprehensive support systems for returning students. The proposed CUNY Flex program aims to provide wraparound services, including free MetroCards, hands-on advising, and technology access for part-time students. This initiative recognizes that many adult learners, who often juggle work and family responsibilities, cannot attend college full-time. Currently, only 51% of adult learners who transfer to a CUNY senior college earn a bachelor's degree within six years, compared to 65% of younger transfer students.

Transportation costs were also identified as a significant barrier, particularly for the 90% of CUNY Community College students who rely on public transit. A pilot program for free MetroCards is being proposed to alleviate this issue, targeting low-income students who are not currently served by existing transportation assistance programs.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of removing financial and logistical barriers to education, which can lead to greater economic mobility for New Yorkers. By implementing these initiatives, city officials aim to strengthen the educational landscape and support the diverse needs of CUNY students, ultimately contributing to a more educated workforce and a robust economy.