The state of New York expanded funding for its professional pathways program with the goal of training immigrants for high-skilled jobs.
The program originally launched in 2021 with $1.1 million in funding. After an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul, the amount of funding is $4.38 million.
The state is in need of jobs in engineering and information technology fields, as well as other technical positions, according to a news release. The program’s training is tailored to feed into these types of jobs. The program is partnered with seven nonprofit organizations across the state. Interfaith Works is the organization partnering from Central New York.
As of the end of January, 282 participants were accepted in the program. That number is expected to grow after the large increase in funding.
The funding, in the form of grants, will come in over the next three years.