Financial Aid Now Applicable to Certain Microcredentials

Financial aid is now available for students seeking certain microcredentials from Jefferson Community College (JCC) thanks to New York State expanding eligibility of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). This marks a new milestone in New York State’s 50-year-old financial assistance program! Under the new eligibility guidelines, students seeking a microcredential who register for courses totaling 11 credits or less may apply for TAP.

Applicable microcredentials at JCC include Agribusiness and Hospitality, Business Leadership, Direct Support Professional I, Healthcare Management I and II, Hospitality, Kitchen Basics, Non-Profit Leadership, Software Development, and Teaching Assistant Level II. These microcredentials are tailored to support individuals aiming for career advancement, skill enhancement, or a career transition. Each microcredential comprises three to four industry-specific courses totaling ten credits or less.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr., says, “The expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program is crucial to help more New Yorkers get the education and training they need to qualify for high-growth careers. There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and we are proud to support students pursuing careers in high demand, growing fields on their path to upward mobility and, hopefully, ultimately earning a college degree.”  

College President Daniel J. Dupee, II, says, “This is exciting news for our students and community. For many, earning a microcredential is the first step to a well-paying job or new career. By expanding TAP to include microcredentials, NYS has made education even more affordable, empowering individuals to access coursework tailored to their current needs or future goals, ultimately resulting in a more skilled workforce for North Country employers." 

Robyn M. Rhyner, Director of Financial Aid at JCC, says, “We welcome the expansion of state aid to support students pursuing microcredentials. This represents a pivotal step in acknowledging the diverse educational needs of our community and empowering individuals to enhance their skills and expertise."

Notably, some microcredentials may be completed in as little as 15 weeks, and credit earned to fulfill a microcredential is transferable to an associate degree program later. Upon successful completion of microcredentials, students receive a digital badge to display on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, as well as inclusion on electronic resumes, to share with current and prospective employers. 

Learn more about applying for the NYS HESC Non-degree Part-time TAP Program online. Questions may be directed to JCC Financial Services at (315) 786-2437.