The Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity) helps the City apply evidence and innovation to reduce poverty and increase equity. We work to improve the systems of government by advancing the use of research, data and design in program and policy development, service delivery, and budget decisions. Our work includes analyzing existing anti-poverty approaches, developing new strategies, facilitating the sharing of data across City agencies, and rigorously assessing the impact of key initiatives. NYC Opportunity manages a discrete fund and works collaboratively with City agencies to design, test and oversee new programs and digital products.

NYC Opportunity also produces research and analysis of poverty and social conditions, including its influential annual Poverty Measure, which provides a more accurate and comprehensive picture of poverty in New York City than the federal rate. Part of the Mayor’s Office of Operations, NYC Opportunity is active in making equity a core governing principle across all agencies.

As New York’s leader in online education since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor’s and master’s degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University’s only undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor’s degree, progress from an associate’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School’s renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Created at the same time as CUNY SPS, the Office of Professional Education and Workplace Learning (PEWL) work as consultants with agencies and organizations to design custom workplace learning programs and help them achieve their goals. PEWL has expertise in research-based learning practices, development and implementation, as well as organizational learning needs and change management initiatives.

The Institute for Justice and Opportunity is a center of research and action at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. As part of the City University of New York, which drives economic mobility across our City, the Institute increases access to higher education and the workforce for people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system. The Institute provides a continuum of services within correctional facilities and in the community to support our students’ educational journeys, connecting them to programs at CUNY and services in New York City. Our programs include the Prison to College Pipeline (P2CP), College Exploration and College Initiative, as well as the HSE Connect program for those who seek a high school equivalency degree. We offer Career Pathways trainings on tech skills and supervisory skills, and the Navigator Certificate in Human Services and Community Justice, a leadership development program for people with lived experience in the criminal legal system pursuing human services careers. Our Pinkerton Fellowship Initiatives prepare John Jay College undergraduates for careers in youth justice, and the Tow Policy Advocacy Fellowships give John Jay graduate students hands-on advocacy experience. The Institute coordinates the CUNY Justice Learning Collaborative, convening stakeholders from across CUNY who are working to improve educational opportunities for students impacted by the legal system. The Institute also publishes reports and guides to help reduce barriers to employment for people impacted by the legal system. 

Download our reports and learn more about our work on the Institute website and Linked In.