SUNY Adirondack warns federal TRIO grant renewal still pending as state proposes tuition-free adult learners

President Duffy, president of SUNY Adirondack, told the Warren County Personnel, Administration & Higher Education Committee on May 1 that the college is launching new degree programs and training while awaiting word on a federal grant renewal that supports about 50 students.

The most immediate concern, Duffy said, is the college’s TRIO Student Support Services grant, a federal program that “supports 50 students on campus for full time employees,” which was awarded in an initial five‑year cycle and for which SUNY Adirondack submitted a renewal application last fall. “We still have not heard if that program is going to be funded again,” Duffy said, noting the current award expires in August.

The uncertainty follows other budget developments Duffy described to supervisors. He said the college received about $150,000 from SUNY to continue HVAC workforce training and will launch the next cohort this summer in partnership with the plumbers and steamfitters union. “We got some additional funding from SUNY, about a hundred and $50,000, so we'll be able to continue to fund that important work,” Duffy said.

Duffy also outlined academic program approvals in progress: a new radiologic technology (Rad Tech) degree developed with partners including Glens Falls Hospital and Adirondack Radiology that must clear SUNY and the New York State Education Department and the Office of the Professions because it is a licensure program; and a new environmental science degree that has moved through campus review and will go to SUNY and State Education.

On state policy, Duffy said a governor’s budget proposal would provide tuition‑free education for adult learners in high‑demand programs and that SUNY will administer the program if it is enacted. He described the state proposal as focused on “anyone 25 to 55,” and said it is expected to begin this fall as a last‑dollar scholarship that fills gaps after other federal or state aid.

Duffy reported operational items as well: summer construction to start after graduation on a “high voltage project” in the upper quad with equipment arriving next year; steady fall applications and a strong accepted‑student day; and that summer enrollment is up year‑over‑year. He told the committee the college had stepped in with funding earlier this spring to keep a Head Start site open for about 30 students when federal funding was uncertain.

Committee members expressed thanks for the college’s response on Head Start funding and emphasized the TRIO concern. The committee did not take action on the TRIO renewal during the meeting; Duffy said the college is awaiting federal notice.

The college also told the committee it will present its tuition and fee proposal to the board of trustees this month and will review the full budget at a joint meeting with the county and Washington County in June.