Assembly Resolution No. 381

BY: M. of A. Hunter

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2025 as Community College Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of institutions
which contribute to their communities and enrich the lives of the
citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025 as Community
College Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with National
Community College Month; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1950, Jamestown Community College was the
first community college in New York State; it was the first locally
sponsored community college in the State and one of the first in the
United States to be part of a statewide system; its creation marked the
beginning of a movement to expand affordable, accessible higher
education opportunities for New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Through the decades, New York State's community college
system has grown significantly; today, the State University of New York
(SUNY) system operates 30 colleges across the State, and the City
University of New York (CUNY) system includes seven colleges, bringing
the total to 37 public community colleges; and

WHEREAS, These institutions serve hundreds of thousands of students
annually, providing an affordable and flexible path to higher education
and workforce development; community colleges have been instrumental in
offering career training, associate degrees, and transfer opportunities
to four-year institutions; they also support local economies by
partnering with businesses and industries to prepare a skilled
workforce; and

WHEREAS, Community colleges in New York State have had a tremendous
impact on individuals and communities, serving as a gateway to higher
education, especially for first-generation college students, working
adults, and those individuals who are seeking career advancement; and

WHEREAS, Community colleges are also centers for workforce training,
offering programs in health care, technology, and skilled trades that
meet regional labor market needs; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, community colleges promote equity in
education by keeping tuition costs lower than traditional four-year
institutions, ensuring that more New Yorkers have access to quality
education; and

WHEREAS, April is Community College Month, a time to recognize and
celebrate the vital role these institutions play in strengthening local
economies, expanding access to education, and fostering lifelong

learning; their commitment to affordability, workforce development, and
community engagement makes them a cornerstone of New York State's higher
education system and a vital resource for the State's future; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025 as Community
College Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.