SUNY Chancellor King Celebrates Second Class of Empire State Service Corps

October 17, 2025

Chancellor King Highlights Nearly 500 students from 45 SUNY Campuses Participating in Paid Service Opportunities in Their Communities During Visit to Hudson Valley Community College

Fact Sheet Outlining SUNY’s Commitment to Civics and Service Available Here


Troy, NY — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today celebrated the second class of Empire State Service Corps members during a visit to Hudson Valley Community College. Over 500 students from 45 SUNY campuses are participating in this year's program, with each committing to dedicating at least 300 hours to engaging in paid community service and convening regularly to share and learn from each other's experiences.

This year, the number of applicants for Governor Hochul’s Empire State Service Corps far exceeded the number of available positions, with applications outpacing the number of campus spots at 4:1.

"The Empire State Service Corps program empowers our students to take on civics and service opportunities that benefit all New Yorkers. Communities throughout the state are enriched, and SUNY students receive real-world experience as they work to improve lives through this program," SUNY Chancellor King said. "I applaud every member of our Empire State Service Corps, and the staff and faculty who support them as they work to make a difference in their on- and off-campus communities."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "Governor Hochul’s historic Empire State Service Corps is continuing to grow and help SUNY students give back to their local communities. We thank all of this year’s Empire State Service Corps members for their dedication and service to New York and congratulate them for taking on this important work."

Empire State Service Corps, championed by Governor Kathy Hochul and funded by $2.75 million in the FY25 Enacted State budget, is New York State’s largest AmeriCorps program. As a recognized AmeriCorps program, participating students who complete 300 service hours are also eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of up to $1,500 for their service.

Hudson Valley Community College President Michael S. Brophy said, "Fostering civic engagement is an essential part of helping students become well-rounded individuals who will make a difference, not only in their careers but their communities, and the Empire State Service Corps provides an opportunity to do just that. We’ve already seen the success of this program right here on campus, and we’re proud to celebrate that and congratulate Chancellor King and SUNY on empowering students to become civic-minded community leaders while they are still in college."

The first cohort of Empire State Service Corps and Empire State Summer Service Corps members logged a combined 102,343 service hours during the 2024-25 program, serving 74,638 New Yorkers. Empire State Summer Service Corps members also supported 200 new SNAP application submissions during this year’s summer session.

Empire State Service Corps members work in the following areas:  

  • Civic Engagement/Civil Discourse: Students will serve either on or off campus with organizations such as local nonprofits related to civic engagement and civil discourse, including nonpartisan voter outreach, voter registration and engaging campus peers in voter activity.
  • Early Childhood Education (new in 2025-26): Students will serve at a host site dedicated to early childhood education and/or development (for example, daycare or Head Start centers).
  • FAFSA Completion: Students will serve local communities, in visits to local high schools and through work on-campus, to support students in completing the FAFSA.
  • Food Insecurity/SNAP Basic Needs: Students will serve on or off campus supporting students and others with SNAP outreach as well as basic needs support (which could include shifts at a campus food pantry) or with other food insecurity-aligned work.
  • K-12 Education: Students will partner with local school districts for regular tutoring sessions with students in the community who need more academic support.
  • Peer Mental Health: Students will be trained to serve as a peer mental health educator, typically at a campus/community wellness or counseling center. Students will support peers either on or off campus in supporting strong mental health practices and overall wellness initiatives.
  • Student Success Coaching (new in 2025-26): Students will work with middle and high school students to combat common challenges external to academics like addressing chronic absenteeism, access to socio-emotional learning, mentoring, and mental health support.
  • Sustainability: Students will serve in campus roles and with local nonprofits and State agencies on sustainability work, such as recycling campaigns, tree planting, pollinator gardens, and sustainability outreach.
  • Veterans Affairs Outreach (new in 2025-26): Students will serve at host sites dedicated to supporting active military or veterans' affairs for individuals, families, or affiliated groups.

State Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Toby Ann Stavisky said, "I am impressed by the young people who choose to dedicate their time and talent to strengthening their communities. The Empire State Service Corps embodies the very best of public service—students learning through action while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I thank Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and SUNY for expanding this initiative and creating new opportunities for students to serve, learn, and lead across New York."

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "Public servants play a vital role in our workforce, and the immense success of SUNY's Empire State Service Corps is a testament to the return on investment we get when we invest in New York's students. The diversity of experience and dedication to service represented in this year's cohort of more than 500 participants reflects the commitment these bright young people have to our state. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and my legislative colleagues for your partnership in growing educational and economic opportunities for New Yorkers while meeting critical needs in our communities."

State Senator Rachel May said, "Along with learning and preparing for a career, the goal of higher education should also focus on service and understanding what it takes to be a contributing member of the community. The students who are part of the Empire State Service Corps are doing just that, gaining valuable experience while making a positive difference across New York. I commend Chancellor King and everyone at SUNY who created this excellent program that empowers students to make a meaningful impact in their communities."

State Senator Peter Oberacker said, "Programs like the Empire State Service Corps exemplify the very best of what public service and higher education can achieve together. By engaging SUNY students directly in their communities, we’re not only fostering civic responsibility but also developing the next generation of leaders who understand the value of service, hard work, and collaboration. Let's continue to empower students to make a real difference across New York State."

State Senator Lea Webb said, "It’s inspiring to see the second class of Empire State Service Corps members dedicate themselves to serving their communities. Programs like this empower young people to give back, gain valuable experience, and make a real difference while continuing their education. Their dedication to service exemplifies the best of New York’s spirit, and I’m grateful for the leadership of Governor Hochul and SUNY in providing opportunities that inspire the next generation of community leaders."

State Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Alicia L. Hyndman said, "I am pleased to see the continued growth of the Empire State Service Corps under the leadership of Chancellor King and Governor Hochul. Now in its second year, the program engages nearly 500 students from 45 SUNY campuses in paid community service that strengthens neighborhoods and fosters civic engagement. With applications outpacing available placements four to one, the Empire State Service Corps—supported by a $2.75 million investment in the FY25 Enacted State Budget—stands as New York’s largest AmeriCorps program and a testament to our state’s commitment to education, opportunity, and service."

State Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine said, "Thanks to Chancellor King and Governor Hochul for championing the Empire State Service Corps which enables students from all walks of life to experience areas of study they may not have considered as a career option. I am especially proud of the seven SUNY Old Westbury students who are taking advantage of the paid service opportunities associated with this amazing program."

State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "The Empire State Service Corps inspires our students to lead through service. It gives young people the tools to make a real difference in their communities while learning valuable skills that will guide them well beyond the classroom. I am proud to support this initiative and the students who are helping to build a stronger New York."

State Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, "I congratulate the Empire State Service Corps on this milestone occasion. Connecting young people to community organizations helps build capacity within these organizations and hopefully, inspires a lifetime habit of volunteerism."

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

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