NY4ECP's Statement on the Enacted State Budget

Written By Claire Byrnes

The FY2027 enacted state budget includes key funding for the College in High School Opportunity Fund, including:

  • $9.1 million for College in High School programs

  • $39.936 million for P-TECH, Smart Scholars, and Smart Transfer programs

  • $2 million in new funding for pathways in teaching early college programs (P-TEACH) to address the teacher shortage

NY4ECP thanks Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for recognizing that investing in early college pathways aligns squarely with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate and with New York’s broader goals of advancing economic mobility, addressing affordability, and meeting state workforce demands.

While we applaud this important step, we know that student demand for these opportunities far outpaces the state’s investment. At a time when college affordability is top of mind for families, expanding access to high-quality early college pathways is a proven, cost-effective strategy that delivers long-term results for students and their families, employers, and communities alike.

NY4ECP will continue to advocate for greater investment in these programs so that no student is left behind.

Claire Byrnes
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