New York state has opened applications for $50 million to strengthen safety and security measures at nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. 

The funding is the greatest amount ever available through the program, state officials said. Nonprofit organizations that have previously received grants may now apply for new security projects, and for the first time, cybersecurity projects will be considered for funding. 

The state also announced $46 million in federal funding for 240 nonprofit organizations across the state facing an increased risk of terrorist attack. This critical funding will assist in strengthening the security of their facilities, as well as enhance overall preparedness.

“Hate has no place in New York, and we will continue to support organizations that are most vulnerable to vicious and violent attacks,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “With this new round of unprecedented funding, these at-risk facilities will be able to fund safety precautions, including cybersecurity projects, to protect vulnerable people from those who would lash out against them due to their ideology, belief or mission.”

Officials said the announcement came as hate and bias incidents persist throughout New York and federal authorities have warned of security threats in neighboring states targeting faith-based institutions. Hate crimes adversely and disproportionately affect entire communities, not just the intended targets. 

While the number of hate crimes reported to police in the state represents a small fraction of total crime, these incidents traumatize and instill fear in the greater community. New York state tracks these incidents separately from other crimes so trends can be monitored, and steps can be taken to prevent them from occurring in the first place, officials said.

SUNY Adirondack and SUNY Plattsburgh have an agreement to create a bachelor’s degree program in computer security at the college’s shared Queensbury campus.

The completion program will begin in the fall 2023 semester, offering a two-year study option for graduates of SUNY Adirondack’s associate degree programs in information technology: cybersecurity and information technology: information security, or transfer students with a similar background. 

“We are eager to welcome students into our new bachelor degree completion program in computer security, one of the only computer security majors among the SUNY comprehensive colleges,” said Emma Bartscherer, director of SUNY Plattsburgh’s branch campus at SUNY Adirondack. “With the added benefit of a concentration in threat analysis, students will graduate with a competitive advantage and many career prospects.”

“True to our motto, ‘You don’t have to leave to go far,’ SUNY Plattsburgh’s branch campus serves students in the region as the only four-year school with a presence in Warren County, Bartscherer said. 

Computer security is the latest 2+2 agreement between SUNY Adirondack and SUNY Plattsburgh. The two colleges also offer joint in-person degree programs in psychology and criminal justice, and online in business administration and RN to B.S. in nursing.

“SUNY Adirondack is excited to team with SUNY Plattsburgh to offer our IT graduates a chance to further their studies in this high-demand field,” said Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., president of SUNY Adirondack. “We know there is great need for experts in cybersecurity, in our region and beyond, so it’s critical those interested have access to a high-quality, affordable education to protect against online threats, attacks and breaches.”