NYC News Network | Local News Across New York City
The City University of New York is expanding its push to connect students directly to careers through a new public-private initiative designed to strengthen workforce development across the university system.
CUNY officials announced the launch of the CUNY Beyond Advisory Council, a coalition of leaders from business, philanthropy, healthcare, finance, technology, and higher education focused on expanding career-connected learning opportunities for students across New York City.
Details about the initiative were first outlined in an official NYC Newswire press release published alongside the university’s latest workforce development efforts.
The advisory council is part of CUNY Beyond, a long-term initiative intended to integrate internships, mentorships, paid work experiences, and professional development into every stage of the undergraduate experience.
University officials say the program aims to help approximately 180,000 students secure career opportunities by 2030 while strengthening direct pipelines into New York’s leading industries.
“CUNY campuses are teeming with driven and accomplished students. The goal of the CUNY Beyond Advisory Council, bringing together New York’s preeminent business and philanthropic leaders with our campus leadership, is to ensure we’re providing these students with the direction, connections and skills they need to thrive,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “I want to thank each member for joining this endeavor. Their participation is a vote of confidence in our students, and their guidance will help ensure more businesses and organizations recognize the vast pool of talent in their own backyard.”
The newly formed council includes executives and institutional leaders from companies and organizations including Amazon, Accenture, J.P. Morgan Chase, EY, the American Museum of Natural History, Robin Hood Foundation, and NineDot Energy.
CUNY officials say employer participation is central to the initiative’s long-term strategy. The university is positioning the program as both an education initiative and an economic mobility effort tied directly to workforce demand across New York City.
The university estimates the initiative could generate approximately $3.3 billion in future wage growth while producing a projected $700 million public return on investment.
The launch reflects a broader shift happening across higher education and city workforce policy, where colleges are increasingly expected to connect academic programs with direct employment pathways.
Under CUNY Beyond, students will gain earlier exposure to internships, employer partnerships, project-based learning, and professional networking opportunities before graduation.
The initiative will initially roll out at:
Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget for fiscal year 2027 also includes $6.8 million to help expand the initiative to additional campuses.
Several council members described the initiative as a critical workforce strategy for New York’s evolving economy.
“I am excited to join the CUNY Beyond Advisory Council and work alongside such a dynamic group of leaders,” said David Moskovitz, senior managing director, Accenture. “This council represents a unique opportunity to support CUNY Beyond and bring the power of cross-sector insights, resources, innovation, best practices and solutions. By coming together from industry, philanthropy, and academia, we can bolster CUNY’s drive to make career-connected learning a reality and accelerate economic mobility for CUNY students.”
“Career exploration and project-based learning are increasingly critical for connecting students to successful careers,” said Carley Graham Garcia, principal, worldwide community engagement, Amazon. “New York City is home to more than 28,000 Amazon employees, and we’re proud to build on our strong relationship with CUNY.”
Business leaders involved in the initiative say workforce preparation, particularly in emerging industries, is becoming increasingly tied to partnerships between universities and employers.
University officials also frame the initiative as a response to long-standing economic inequality in New York City.
“CUNY has long been one of the most powerful engines of social mobility in the country,” said Aliou Sidibe, manager, EY. “CUNY Beyond builds on that legacy by ensuring students graduate not only with a degree, but with the skills, experience, and professional networks needed to thrive in today’s economy.”
The CUNY already works with the New York Jobs CEO Council, which was created to help hire 100,000 underserved New Yorkers by 2030, including 25,000 CUNY students.
According to university officials, nearly 10,000 CUNY students have already been hired through partnerships connected to the organization.
CUNY Beyond will continue rolling out in phases over the next five years. The university expands partnerships with employers, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations across New York City.
Officials say additional campuses, employers, and workforce programs are expected to join the initiative as implementation continues.
Additional details about the council and workforce initiative were first published through an official NYCNewswire press release.
What is the CUNY Beyond Advisory Council?
It is a new advisory group made up of business, academic, and philanthropic leaders supporting career-connected learning across CUNY.
What is the goal of CUNY Beyond?
The initiative aims to help 180,000 students secure career opportunities by 2030 through internships, mentorships, and employer partnerships.
Which colleges are included first?
Hunter College, Lehman College, LaGuardia Community College, and Borough of Manhattan Community College will launch the first phase.
Why are employers involved?
CUNY says employer partnerships help students gain real-world experience, professional networks, and direct career pathways before graduation.
Stay connected with the latest coverage on CUNY, higher education policy, workforce development, and New York City schools. Subscribe to NYC Education News for ongoing updates on education leadership, student initiatives, and citywide academic programs.