The Brian Lehrer Show How Westchester Community College is Dealing With Federal Funding Cuts
Mar 12, 2026
Belinda Miles, president of SUNY Westchester Community College and advocate for access and workforce-aligned programs. She discusses how federal funding cuts hit services for low-income and working students. Conversation covers enrollment shifts, Title V funding and legal challenges, food insecurity responses, and growing healthcare and cybersecurity programs.
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Community College Role As An Open Door Institution
- Westchester Community College is an open-door institution serving many working, first-generation, and low-income students who rely on wraparound supports.
- Belinda Miles emphasized advising, tutoring, and financial aid as key services that enable students' upward mobility.
SUNY ReConnect Attracts Older Students
- SUNY ReConnect draws students aged 25–55 back to college with free tuition and supports; Westchester has over 600 ReConnect students.
- Belinda Miles said this program aligns SUNY and CUNY efforts and helped boost adult enrollment.
Pandemic Data Drove Scheduling And Completion Fixes
- Westchester used pandemic-era online learning data to redesign schedules and maximize campus use for daytime and evening programs.
- The college adopted software, guided pathways, and better advising to improve completion and bring students back on campus.