Whether you’re looking for your first job, changing careers, finishing your education, or starting a business—NYC has free resources to help you get there. Here’s everything you need to know about accessing job training, adult education, and affordable transportation in 2026.
Career advancement in New York City doesn’t have to mean going it alone. The city offers an extensive network of free resources designed to help New Yorkers at every stage of their professional journey—whether you’re looking for your first job, switching careers, completing your education, or launching a business.
Since the start of the Adams administration, more than 250,000 New Yorkers have used the city’s Workforce1 system, with over 81,000 connected to good-paying jobs. Free adult education programs operate across all five boroughs. And transit assistance programs can cut your commuting costs in half.
This guide covers the major career development, education, and transportation resources available in NYC—who qualifies, what they provide, and exactly how to access them.
Workforce1 Career Centers: Free Job Training & Placement
Workforce1 is NYC’s primary job training and placement system, with 18 Career Centers across the five boroughs providing employment services including job placement, training, coaching, and resume workshops—all completely free.
What Workforce1 Provides
Through the Workforce1 Career Center system, you can get:
- One-on-one career counseling to identify jobs that fit your experience and skills
- Resume workshops and reviews to strengthen your application materials
- Interview preparation including mock interviews and coaching
- Job search resources including exclusive job listings and recruitment events
- Free skills training to help you discover a new career
- Connection with employers who are actively hiring
- Financial counseling available at career centers
Services are available online, over the phone, or in-person. One-on-one appointments are scheduled based on your availability within operating hours, usually Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
Who Can Use Workforce1?
Anyone 18 years or older who is legally authorized to work in the US can use a Workforce1 Career Center.
Specialized services are available at certain centers for:
- Veterans or spouses of veterans
- Foreign-born individuals
- Out-of-school/out-of-work youth ages 18-24
- Justice-involved individuals
Jobs NYC Hiring Halls
Jobs NYC Hiring Halls target communities with the highest levels of chronic unemployment and bring jobs directly to New Yorkers. Since the start of 2024, more than 14,500 New Yorkers have attended a Jobs NYC Hiring Hall, resulting in over 4,500 on-site interviews and over 2,000 conditional job offers.
These events connect jobseekers with opportunities in both public and private sectors, offering on-site interviews and access to resume workshops, interview coaching, and the full suite of Workforce1 programming.
Specialized Training Programs
Workforce1 partners with community-based organizations to provide specialized training:
- Prompt Engineering Accelerator: 6-week program training 60 participants in AI prompt engineering (Bronx Tech Hub)
- Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Program: Paid clinical training with weekly instruction, mentorship, and certification
- HVAC Training: Renewable Energy & Sustainable Construction program training 35 New Yorkers
- First Course NYC: Apprenticeship program teaching culinary skills
How to Access Workforce1
Online/Phone: Fill out the Virtual Workforce1 intake form to be connected to experts within 1-2 business days.
In Person: Visit any of the 18 Workforce1 Career Centers across NYC. Find locations at nyc.gov/workforce1.
Questions? Call 311 or 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692)
Adult Education & GED Programs: Free High School Equivalency
If you don’t have a high school diploma, NYC offers tuition-free adult education classes across all five boroughs to help you earn your High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma—formerly known as the GED.
NYC Department of Education Adult Education
NYCDOE offers tuition-free adult education classes for people 21 and older who do not have a high school diploma. Classes include:
- Basic Education: Foundational reading, writing, and math skills
- GED/HSE Preparation: Classes preparing you for all five areas of the GED exam (Language Arts/Writing, Language Arts/Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): English language instruction at multiple levels
- Career and Technical Education: Classes leading to certification and job placement
CUNY Adult Literacy Programs
Several CUNY colleges offer free adult education programs:
City College of New York GED Program
Funded by the NYS Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant, offering tuition-free classes to prepare for the HSE exam and build skills for college and workplace success.
Requirements:
- 19 years old or older
- New York State resident
- Available for employment
Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 6 PM–9 PM
Sessions: September-December and February-June
Brooklyn College Adult Literacy Program (BCALP)
Founded in 1987, BCALP provides tuition-free ESOL, HSE/GED preparation, and pre-HSE/GED services to more than 400 adults each year.
Success rate: BCALP’s HSE test pass rate consistently exceeds NYS Education Department annual benchmarks. To date, 1,286 individuals have earned a high school equivalency diploma after completing the program, and 351 BCALP graduates are attending or have completed college.
Requirements:
- 18 years old or older
- New York State resident
- Photo ID required
Case management is provided to all students to help connect them to resources while in the program and after.
Community-Based Programs
Fifth Avenue Committee (Brooklyn)
Free classes in GED, ESOL, Digital Literacy, and workforce bridge classes connecting participants to careers in Commercial Driving (CDL Class B) and Low Voltage Cable Installation.
Contact: (718) 624-3475
Queens Public Library Adult Learner Program
Free English and High School Equivalency classes for adults 17+. Class schedules vary by English level.
How to apply: Complete the inquiry form online
Brooklyn Adult Learning Center
Free adult education for learners 21+ in Basic Education, ESL, and Career & Technology.
About the GED Test in New York
Good news: New York is one of four states where HSE testing is offered at no cost.
Eligibility:
- At least 19 years old (16-18 may qualify under strict requirements)
- New York State resident (must have lived in state for at least 30 days)
- Not currently a high school graduate
- Not enrolled in any other school program
Test format: The entire GED exam takes around 7.5 hours to complete, but you can take the four subtests one at a time.
Free online preparation: USAHello offers free GED classes in both English and Spanish that you can take at your own pace from a computer, phone, or tablet.
Alternative Pathways to HSE Diploma
New York offers four pathways to a High School Equivalency diploma:
- HSE Exam Pathway (GED)
- College Credit Pathway: Earn 24 college credits from a U.S. accredited institution
- National External Diploma Program (NEDP): For applicants 18+, demonstrate abilities through job- and real-life simulations
- Regents/HSE Exam Pathway: Combination of Regents Exams and one GED test
Fair Fares NYC: 50% Discount on Public Transit
For many New Yorkers, the cost of getting to work, school, or job interviews can be a barrier to economic opportunity. Fair Fares NYC provides a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares to make transportation more affordable.
Major Expansion in 2025
As of January 7, 2025, Fair Fares NYC expanded eligibility by increasing the income standard to 145% of the federal poverty level (up from 120%). This means approximately 200,000 more New Yorkers now qualify for the program.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible for Fair Fares if you:
- Are between 18-64 years old
- Live in New York City (any of the five boroughs)
- Have a household income at or below 145% of the federal poverty level
- Do not already receive a reduced-fare MetroCard from another program
2025 Income Limits:
- 1 person: $22,692 or less annually
- 2 people: $30,667 or less annually
- 3 people: $38,642 or less annually
- 4 people: $46,617 or less annually
- 5 people: $54,592 or less annually
- 6 people: $62,567 or less annually
- 7 people: $70,542 or less annually
- 8 people: $78,517 or less annually
- Each additional person: Add $7,975
Important: Immigration status is not requested or considered in the application process. All NYC residents can apply—regardless of immigration status.
What Fair Fares Covers
- Subway: 50% off (pay $1.45 instead of $2.90)
- Local buses: 50% off
- Staten Island Railway: 50% off
- Roosevelt Island Tram: 50% off
- Hudson Rail Link: 50% off
- Access-A-Ride: 50% off (discount applied automatically when accounts are linked)
Not covered: Express buses, Long Island Railroad, Metro-North, PATH trains, AirTrain
OMNY Integration & Weekly Fare Capping
Fair Fares works with OMNY, the MTA’s contactless fare payment system. With your Fair Fares OMNY card:
- Weekly fare capping: Tap the same card 12 times in 7 days, and every ride after that is free for the rest of the week (never spend more than $17 in a 7-day period)
- Free transfers: Same free subway-to-bus and bus-to-bus transfers within a 2-hour window
- Online reload: Add funds or set up auto-reload through a free OMNY account at omny.info
How to Apply for Fair Fares
Option 1: Apply Online
- Visit nyc.gov/fairfares and complete the application
- Download the ACCESS HRA mobile app to submit required documents (proof of identity, age, residency, and income)
- Applications are typically reviewed within 30 days
- Once approved, your Fair Fares card is good for one year
Option 2: Apply In Person
Visit a Fair Fares NYC office, open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM. Bring:
- Valid identification
- Proof of residency
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax documents)
Option 3: Get Help at MTA Stations
Meet with a Fair Fares representative at select stations from 9 AM–12 PM:
- First Wednesday of each month: Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr
- Second Wednesday of each month: Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av/74 St-Broadway
Questions? Call 311 for help
MTA Reduced-Fare Program: For Seniors & People with Disabilities
If you’re 65 or older or have a qualifying disability, you can get the same 50% discount through the MTA Reduced-Fare program instead of Fair Fares.
Who Qualifies
- Anyone aged 65 or over
- Anyone with a qualifying disability, including:
- Receiving Medicare benefits for any reason other than age
- Serious mental illness and receiving Supplemental Security Income
- Other documented disabilities (see page 5 of the application for full list)
What’s Covered
- Subway and local buses: $1.45 (50% off $2.90)
- Express buses: $3.50 (50% off, except weekday peak hours)
- Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North: Up to 50% off full one-way peak fare (reduced fare applies anytime except weekday mornings 6-10 AM traveling toward NYC terminals)
How to Apply
In Person: Apply at any Customer Service Center in select subway stations (open 24/7) or at 3 Stone St in Lower Manhattan (weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM).
Bring:
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- For people with disabilities: Documentation of your disability
Free photography is available at application locations.
By Mail: Note that new customers who apply by mail may experience longer processing times of up to three months before receiving a Reduced-Fare OMNY Card.
Questions? Call 511 for help
Small Business Resources for Entrepreneurs
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, NYC offers extensive support—from free counseling to grants and loans.
NYC Department of Small Business Services
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) provides free services to help you start and grow your business:
- Business planning and consulting
- Access to capital and funding programs
- Regulatory compliance assistance
- Connection to business development programs
Contact: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692)
Grant Programs
Neighborhood Business Grant (CitizensNYC)
Up to $5,000 for small businesses undertaking initiatives to positively impact their community. Each year CitizensNYC gives out more than $1 million in support.
Eligibility: Small businesses in NYC’s five boroughs
Application cycles:
- Cycle 1: Applications open November 3, 2025; Deadline February 2, 2026
- Cycle 2: Opens May 2026; Deadline July 2026
MWBE Grants
New York’s Minority and Women Business Enterprise program provides grants and contracts to businesses owned by women and minorities, along with financial resources, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.
Requirements:
- Up-to-date MWBE certification with minimum 6 months remaining
- Business Federal Tax ID
- Registered New York vendor
Small Business Development Centers
The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSSBDC) network provides:
- Free business counseling
- Market research assistance
- Export assistance
- Government contracting guidance
- Business plan development
For more on women-specific entrepreneurship resources, see our article on NYC Women Entrepreneurs Support.
Making the Most of NYC’s Career Resources
Strategic Combinations
These resources work best when used together. For example:
Scenario 1: Career changer looking for tech job
- Enroll in Workforce1’s AI Prompt Engineering Accelerator (free training)
- Work with Workforce1 career counselor on resume and interview prep
- Apply for Fair Fares to reduce commuting costs to interviews and the new job
Scenario 2: Single parent without high school diploma
- Enroll in free GED program at local adult education center
- Apply for Fair Fares to afford travel to classes
- Upon completion, work with Workforce1 for job placement
- Access childcare subsidies (covered in our NYC Resources Guide)
Scenario 3: Aspiring entrepreneur
- Connect with NYC SBS for free business counseling
- Apply for Neighborhood Business Grant for startup capital
- Attend Workforce1 workshops on financial literacy
- Join women’s professional networks for mentorship and connections
Overcoming Common Barriers
Language barriers: Workforce1 centers offer services in multiple languages. Adult education programs include ESOL classes at various levels. Fair Fares applications are available in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Bengali, Arabic, and more.
Technology access: All Workforce1 services are available in person—no computer required. Adult education classes are held in physical locations. Fair Fares applications can be completed in person at HRA offices or at MTA station events.
Scheduling conflicts: Many adult education programs offer evening classes. Workforce1 offers flexible appointment scheduling. Virtual services are available for those who can’t visit centers during business hours.
Transportation costs: Apply for Fair Fares first to make it affordable to attend job training, adult education classes, and interviews.
Immigration concerns: Fair Fares does not ask about immigration status. Many Workforce1 centers offer specialized services for foreign-born individuals. Adult education programs are open to all NY State residents regardless of citizenship.
Success Stories: Real New Yorkers Using These Resources
The Jobs NYC initiative has connected thousands of New Yorkers to opportunities:
- Since 2024, over 14,500 New Yorkers attended Jobs NYC Hiring Halls
- Over 4,500 on-site interviews conducted
- Over 2,000 conditional job offers made
- More than 1,350 New Yorkers with disabilities connected to good-paying jobs
Brooklyn College Adult Literacy Program reports that 1,286 individuals have earned their high school equivalency diploma through their program, with 351 graduates going on to attend or complete college.
Fair Fares has expanded to serve approximately 300,000 New Yorkers, with an estimated 200,000 more now eligible under the expanded income limits.
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Related WMN Magazine Guides
- NYC Resources: Childcare, Housing & Health
- NYC Financial Help: SNAP, WIC, Energy & Legal Aid
- NYC Women’s Professional Networks
- NYC Women Entrepreneurs Support
Your Action Plan
If you need job training or career support:
- Fill out the Virtual Workforce1 intake form or visit a center
- Bring your resume (or get help creating one)
- Be clear about your career goals and any barriers you’re facing
If you need to complete your education:
- Identify adult education programs near you
- Contact the program to schedule an assessment
- Gather required documents (ID, proof of residency)
- Apply for Fair Fares to help with transportation costs
If you need affordable transportation:
- Check your eligibility using the Fair Fares calculator
- Gather required documents (ID, proof of residence, proof of income)
- Apply online or in person
- Plan for 30-day processing time
The Bottom Line
Career advancement, education completion, and economic mobility are challenging enough without having to navigate complex systems alone or pay for expensive services. NYC has invested significantly in free resources specifically designed to help New Yorkers overcome barriers to opportunity.
Whether you’re looking for your first job after immigrating to the US, changing careers after years in another field, completing the education you started decades ago, or launching the business you’ve been dreaming about—there are resources available to support you.
The key is knowing they exist and taking the first step to access them.
Get started today: Contact Workforce1 for job training, find adult education programs near you, apply for Fair Fares for transit discounts, and explore career development strategies, financial planning, and entrepreneurship resources at WMN Magazine.
