SUNY Reconnect Students Share Feedback with Chancellor John B. King Jr.

State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited Jefferson Community College (JCC) as part of his SUNY Reconnect Tour, where he heard from Jefferson students about their experiences, toured the College’s mechatronics labs and met with faculty.

Chancellor King has been visiting SUNY campuses throughout the state to highlight Governor Hochul's SUNY Reconnect program, which officially began at the start of Fall 2025 classes, and provides free associate degrees in high-demand fields for eligible adult learners. In the 2026-2027 Enacted State Budget, SUNY Reconnect was expanded to include associate degree programs at bachelor's granting institutions, additional high-demand programs, and will make it easier for adult learners to return to college to pursue nursing if they have a prior degree in another field.

"The SUNY Reconnect program is helping adult learners throughout the state pursue the career of their dreams," said SUNY Chancellor King. "Campuses like Jefferson Community College are vital drivers of upward mobility that empower our students to reach their full potential through an affordable, excellent public higher education. I commend Jefferson Community College for supporting our adult learners and providing them with a well-rounded education."

Jefferson education student, Heather K. Cayabyab of Carthage, said, “I was really impressed, and it was nice to share our experiences with Dr. King. SUNY Reconnect is the reason I’m able to continue my education. It has inspired me to finish my degree and set goals for a career, rather than simply finding a job. I hope people can see that having a family doesn’t mean you can’t further your education and start a career. I can do both. SUNY Reconnect has given me that opportunity.”

During his visit, Chancellor King highlighted Jefferson’s health sciences, cybersecurity, and engineering programs, which are eligible for SUNY Reconnect.

President Daniel J. Dupee II said, "SUNY Reconnect is opening doors for New Yorkers who may have put college on hold or never had the opportunity to pursue a degree. At Jefferson, we’re proud to expand that opportunity through our new Health Sciences degree, which provides a clear pathway for students to build a strong foundation in the sciences and continue on to nursing or other health-related bachelor’s degree programs. By combining an in-demand academic pathway with the financial support available through SUNY Reconnect, we’re helping more adults take the next step toward a rewarding career while strengthening the healthcare workforce our region needs."

State Assemblymember Kenneth Blankenbush said, "Jefferson Community College has long been an important part of our North Country, and programs like SUNY Reconnect can help open new doors for adults who are ready to build a better future for themselves and their families. By expanding access to training in health sciences, cybersecurity, engineering and other high-demand fields, we are not simply helping people earn degrees, we are strengthening the workforce our communities will depend on for years to come. I am proud to see Jefferson Community College leading the way and giving more New Yorkers the opportunity to learn new skills, fill critical jobs and build their future right here at home."

State Assemblymember Scott Gray said, "It is always a privilege to welcome Chancellor King to the North Country, especially to showcase the outstanding work happening at Jefferson Community College. The expansion of the SUNY Reconnect program in this year’s budget is a major win for adult learners across our region. By removing financial barriers for high-demand fields like health sciences, cybersecurity, and engineering, we are opening doors for residents to upskill, re-enter the workforce, and secure high-paying careers right here at home. Jefferson Community College continues to be a vital hub for economic growth in Jefferson County, and I encourage eligible adults in our community to take full advantage of this transformative opportunity."

Eligible SUNY Reconnect programs at Jefferson include:

• Childhood Education, A.A.
• Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 2, A.A.
• Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 6, A.A
• Health Sciences, A.S.
• Nursing, A.A.S.
• Computer Information Technology, A.A.S.
• Computer Information Systems, A.S.
• Computer Science, A.S.
• Engineering Science, A.S.

To inquire about SUNY Reconnect programs available at Jefferson,  call Enrollment Services at (315) 786-2437. Applying to Jefferson is free. Late session, 8-week classes, begin October 19, 2026, and wrap up by December 11, 2026.

Front row (l-r): Daniel J. Dupee, II, President, Erika Flint, Trustee, Heather K. Cayabyab, Education Student, JoLynn Fiorentino, Assistant Professor of Education, Gloria Payne, Education Student, John Walter, Health Sciences Student, Tyler Merrill, Engineering Student, Valerie P. Dent, SUNY Vice Chancellor

Back row (l-r): David Snow, Director of Community Services-Mechatronics/JEWEL Program, Dr. Robert Kimball, Watertown City Council Member, Scott Gray, Assemblymember 116^th District, John B. King, Jr., SUNY Chancellor, Breland Griffin, Computer Information Technology Student, David J. Males, Trustee