New York, NY – Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Higher Education, toured the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) on January 15, 2026 as part of her statewide tour of colleges and universities. This was her first college tour for 2026 and part of her ongoing effort to ensure that students who study in New York can build careers in New York. During the visit, she met with MCNY President Dr. Charles J. Gibbs and MCNY leadership to learn more about the school’s plans for financial stability, new academic programs, and student support services.

The visit highlighted MCNY’s focus on career-focused education for working adults. The college offers short, accelerated programs and stackable credentials that allow students to earn certificates quickly and apply those credits toward graduate degrees. MCNY’s business and healthcare programs, including healthcare informatics and risk management, are designed to help students advance in fields such as health services, risk management, and health informatics – preparing students to build careers in New York.

“As Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, I feel it is important to see how colleges are preparing students for today’s and tomorrow’s workforce,” Assemblywoman Hyndman said. “MCNY is working to support students, build long careers, and meet workforce needs across New York. This will not only help students but also fuel our economy in the future.”

Assemblywoman Hyndman also learned about MCNY’s strong support for students, including trauma-informed retention programs, a new Veteran Center funded by a $740,000 grant, and workforce programs that help address the shortage of mental health providers. The grant is in line with Chair Hyndman’s priority MCNY currently serves 40 veterans and plans to expand services for veteran students.

“We were honored to welcome Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman to Metropolitan College of New York as part of her first college visit of 2026,” said Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, President of Metropolitan College of New York. “Her leadership as Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Higher Education Committee reflects a deep understanding of how education, equity and economic opportunity intersect in shaping opportunity and upward mobility. It is always an honor to share ideas, and I look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration in support of our students and communities we serve.”

The visit ended with a commitment to continue working together on issues such as workforce development, expanded veteran services, and new pathways to higher education credentials.