New York community colleges awarded $5 million to create marijuana job training program

New York has decided to send $5 million in grant funding to public college campuses to help create credential programs or course offerings meant to boost employment in the cannabis industry in New York.

The funding will be aimed at either non-degree or courses that are degree eligible with the goal of supplying employers with a skilled workforced in what is expected to be a multi-billion dollar cannabis sector of the state’s economy.

“New York’s new cannabis industry is creating exciting opportunities, and we will ensure that New Yorkers who want careers in this growing sector have the quality training they need to be successful,” Hochul said. “Diversity and inclusion are what makes New York’s workforce a competitive, powerful asset, and we will continue to take concrete steps to help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the cannabis industry.”

The announcement from Hochul’s office for the funding on Monday comes after cannabis regulators last week signed off on rules for licensing for retailers, with the first licenses expected to be issued as early as the end of the year.

Three campuses in the State University of New York system will receive $1 million each in funding: Schenectady County Community College, Niagara County Community College and Orange County Community College. The campuses will also be working with nearby community colleges for the courses.

The Borough of Manhattan Community College, part of the City of University of New York system, will receive a $2 million grant and work alongside Lehman College.