Funding for CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

MEMORANDUM OF SUPPORT: CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies   

$6.75 Million in the FY25 Budget

 

In order to support expanded enrollment, build-out the program and soften the impact of budget cuts, the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) needs $5.75 Million in the FY25 budget. 

About the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

  • The School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) is the 25th and newest self-standing CUNY School, explicitly dedicated to public service and social justice. 
  • SLU focuses on expanding higher educational opportunities for workers.
  • SLU enrolls more than 1,500 students and is seeing significant enrollment growth. 
  • SLU serves a diverse student population: 61% of its students are women and 81% are students of color. SLU serves both traditional-aged and working-adult and employed and unemployed adults. 
  • SLU focuses on
    • Workforce Development: providing opportunities for workers and meeting the economic and workforce needs of the City and State.
    • Labor Studies: offering certificate and degree programs that focus on the study of work, workers, and worker organizations.
    • Urban Studies: offering certificate and degree programs that focus on urban problems as well as the policies and practices designed to alleviate those problems.
    • Service to the Community: Providing public programming; publishing a national journal; developing educational material; conducting applied research; and offering civic engagement and leadership development programs to the community.

What We're Fighting For

A total of $5.75 million ($3.5 from the Executive and $2.25 from the Legislature) to support expanded enrollment, soften the impact of University-wide budget cuts, hire new faculty and academic support staff and continue to build out the organizational structure of the school. 

Yearly, enrollments in its labor studies and urban studies programs are increasing - with rising anticipated costs we must make sure that the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies is adequately funded!

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies provides access to education, diversity at every level, social justice, and equality for all!