Suffolk County Community College has received a $40,000 grant for the 2025-2026 academic year from the State University of New York’s (SUNY) High Needs Nursing Fund. The funding is part of a statewide initiative led by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., which aims to expand and update nursing simulation training at SUNY campuses.
The college is one of 30 SUNY institutions sharing in this year’s $746,500 investment, which will be used for nursing faculty development and purchasing advanced simulation equipment. These efforts are intended to help prepare students for careers in healthcare and contribute to Governor Kathy Hochul’s objective of increasing New York State’s healthcare workforce by 20 percent.
“We are incredibly grateful for SUNY’s continued investment in high-quality nursing education,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College. “This funding allows Suffolk to expand our simulation capabilities, giving our nursing students hands-on, real-world training with the latest technology. As a regional community college, we play a critical role in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for Long Island, and these resources will help ensure our graduates are exceptionally well prepared to meet the needs of local hospitals, clinics, and care centers.”
“SUNY is committed to investing in the success of New York State’s future healthcare workforce,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “Our investment through the High Needs Nursing Fund reinforces our dedication to achieving Governor Hochul’s goal of expanding the state’s highly skilled healthcare workforce. These awards help ensure students receive the world-class education and training they deserve so they can thrive in healthcare careers.”
The grant will allow Suffolk County Community College’s Nursing Program—one of the largest in its region—to increase access to simulation-based clinical experiences across its campuses by acquiring new high-fidelity manikins and other equipment. Since New York expanded its use of simulation-based clinical education in 2023, Suffolk has secured $200,000 from similar SUNY grants to improve nurse training capacity.
Suffolk County Community College enrolls over 26,000 students across more than 100 degree and certificate programs. With about 145,000 alumni, it continues to provide educational pathways that connect students with local employers and career opportunities.