October 2026 Campus Updates

Dear Campus Community,

Please find below updates and highlights regarding our work within the division for October 2026.

In Memoriam

We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of our friend and colleague, Chef Alan Hirsch, who taught for the Office of Continuing Education and the Department of Tourism and Hospitality. Alan was a long-time instructor and mentor in the Food Handlers program. His warmth, generosity, professionalism, and dedication to our students will be profoundly missed.

Grant Proposals and Awards

Awards:

In collaboration with the Office of the President and the Maritime Technology Program, we received a $265,000 award from the New York City Council for a new program, Strengthening New York City's Maritime Workforce. The program will reduce barriers to maritime education and training, help students earn certifications, provide scholarships to enrolled students, strengthen faculty and staff capacity, modernize the curriculum, and maintain the RV1 vessel and training equipment.

We received $375,470 through CUNY’s Workforce Development Initiative to launch a new Electric Vehicle Technician Training program. Using Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ curriculum, the program will train Grady High School automotive students and incumbent technicians in emerging EV technologies, equipping new and experienced workers with in-demand skills to advance their careers as the automotive industry evolves. We are excited to work with Grady to develop this new program.

Proposals:

In partnership with Guttman Community College, we submitted a $500,000 proposal to the Citi Foundation to develop a program that will prepare youth for an AI-driven workforce through hands-on, employer-informed projects that build practical AI skills, responsible use, job-ready portfolios, and pathways to employment.

Community Farm & Garden

We host our weekly Student Vegetable Distribution on Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00 p.m. (while supplies last) at the farm (follow KCC_CFG on Instagram for updates). Volunteer hours are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

For faculty inquiries, research, collaborations, or to request a class bed, please contact Dr. Shannon Caravello at [email protected].

Workforce Training Programs

The CUNY Fatherhood Academy is now recruiting for the 2027 programs. Please refer fathers ages 18-30 and expectant fathers to apply here.

The fall Postpartum Doula training concluded with a 90% completion rate. Students were prepared to support families as they navigate the early stages of parenthood, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and confident in their new roles. Our next class will be offered in 2027. Interested applicants can join the interest list here.

The fall Maternal Health and DONA Doula training began with more than 80 CUNY nursing and Continuing Education students. The nursing students received full scholarships from the CUNY University Dean of Health and Human Services. Through the program, students will gain the knowledge and skills to become a birth doula while exploring maternal health, birth equity, implicit bias, and strategies to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Upon completion, students will earn a CUNY Certificate of Completion in Maternal Health, along with three DONA certificates in childbirth education, lactation support, and birth doula training. The next training session is scheduled for 2027, and interested applicants are encouraged to join the waiting list here.

Two new programs will be developed with funding from the CUNY University Dean of Health and Human Services:

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) program is a 40-hour training that will introduce students to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), covering behavior principles, data collection, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, and ethical practices to support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Students will earn a CUNY Certificate of Completion and gain foundational knowledge for pursuing the Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) credential, which requires additional steps beyond completing the training. Join the list here: https://forms.gle/QjtbutyYTmRaenHL6

The Pregnancy & Postpartum Nutrition: Supporting Maternal & Infant Health will explore nutrition and hydration during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, including lactation, meal planning, culturally diverse food practices, and barriers to healthy eating. Students will learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to support families, recognize when additional professional care is needed, and connect families with appropriate healthcare and community resources. Students will earn a CUNY Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of their training. Join the list here: https://forms.gle/4Jm7MyZiMExn4hWn9

The division recently completed the 5th cohort of Bridges to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology training program in partnership with the Malikah Safety Center in Astoria, Queens. Funded by the Department of Labor’s Office of Just Energy Transition, this program covers a range of renewable energy and sustainable technology sectors. Participants learned about the history, science, technologies, job opportunities, and training options in each sector. The training also provided each participant with access to a dedicated Career Navigation specialist and a range of supportive services. These include OMNY Cards, lunch, and the opportunity to apply for scholarships exclusively available to training participants. For more information about the program or to share this opportunity with your network, please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/bPx9vGGwqzbH42DRA

Continuing Education Classes

In collaboration with JPMorgan Chase, we are offering a series of FREE Financial Literacy Workshops open to all. All courses will be online with live instruction. Registration is required. Workshop topics include:

Understanding and Building Credit on Tuesday, 12/1/26 6pm–7pm
You will learn the fundamentals of credit, including what it is and why it matters, how to check your credit score and reports, how to begin building credit, and how to safeguard your credit.
Register here: UNDERSTANDING AND BUILDING CREDIT - Kingsborough CC Conted

Improving Credit and Managing Debt on Tuesday, 1/26/27 6pm–7pm
You will learn how to improve your credit and better manage any debts you may have. This includes building a positive credit history, lowering credit utilization, and addressing delinquent debts.
Register here: IMPROVING CREDIT AND MANAGING DEBT - Kingsborough CC Conted

Avoiding Fraud and Scams on Tuesday, 3/16/27 6pm–7pm
As fraud and scams become more prevalent, you need to educate yourself. In this workshop, you will learn how staying organized can enhance your safety, how to identify common scams and protect yourself, and what steps to take if you or a loved one falls victim to fraud or identity theft.
Register here: AVOIDING FRAUDS & SCAMS - Kingsborough CC Conted

Small Business: Access to Capital on Tuesday 5/4/27 6pm–7pm
Explore funding opportunities and learn how to prepare your business to qualify for capital.
Register here: SMALL BUSINESS: ACCESS TO CAPITAL - Kingsborough CC Conted

Homebuying 101 on Tuesday 6/1/26 6pm–7pm
Learn the fundamentals of homeownership, financing options, and how to prepare to purchase a home. Participants will acquire practical strategies and actionable tools to enhance their financial well-being and take greater control of their financial future.
Register here: HOME OWNERSHIP 101 - Kingsborough CC Conted

Staff and Professional Development

We are excited to welcome Chef Youngsun Lee to our SCS Food Handlers program as a dedicated college educator. We wish him much success with the program.

WIOA program staff recently attended a two-day training retreat organized by NYSED in Saratoga Springs, NY. The event drew a strong turnout and offered valuable training and networking opportunities for statewide programs.

Winter 2027 Catalog/Information Session

The Winter 2027 Catalog will go live on Monday, November 16th.

Information session scheduled for Tuesday, December 15th at 12:00pm and 6:00pm. Register now here: https://www.kingsborough.edu/ce/index.html

New Program Alert: Kore Travel Education is a certification program designed to prepare Travel Advisors.

For more information, please call (718) 368-5050 or email us at [email protected].