Reach Your College and Career Goals Through Free Opportunities at Jefferson

Whether you are looking to earn a college degree, start a new career, prepare for fall semester, or launch your own business, Jefferson Community College (JCC) is making it easier than ever to take that first step, with a range of free programs available now. Traditional students, working adults, and aspiring entrepreneurs can access the education and skills they need to succeed without the burden of high costs or complicated processes.

Highlighted Programs Include:

Summer Prep Program
Students entering/returning to college this fall can get a jump start on campus life, build confidence, and possibly test out of non-credit developmental (000-level) courses through Jefferson’s free summer program beginning August 8, 2025. Participants will acclimate to college expectations, ease the transition to college, and potentially shorten their time to graduation. 

Grant-Funded Direct Support Professional (DSP) Microcredentials
With employees of The Arc Jefferson–St. Lawrence and The Arc Oneida–Lewis in mind, JCC is offering free DSP I and II microcredentials to help DSPs continue supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, advance their careers, and obtain national certification(s) and college credentials. Microcredentials are fully funded thanks to grants from the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and the State University of New York.

Healthcare Career Training Through the Caring Gene® Academy
A unique partnership between JCC, The Caring Gene®, and the Iroquois Healthcare Association offers free training to become a pharmacy technician or certified medical assistant (CMA). In-person training begins September 8, 2025, for the Clinical Medical Assistant program and September 17, 2025, for the Pharmacy Technician program. Both programs are also available fully online with rolling admission—participants can start at any time.

Free Community College for Adults Ages 25-55
Through the SUNY Reconnect initiative, eligible adults pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as healthcare, education, technology, and engineering may attend JCC tuition-free. Prospective students can learn more by attending Jefferson’s SUNY Reconnect information session on July 29. Register at www.sunyjefferson.edu/freecc. 

Excelsior Scholarship
Many New Yorkers qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, which makes college tuition-free for students attending SUNY schools full-time while meeting certain academic and income requirements. Jefferson offers over 50 academic programs to prepare students for careers or transfer. With multiple ways to take classes, college can fit around work, family, and everyday life—rather than the other way around. Fall classes begin August 25, 2025. Apply today!

Free Home-Based Childcare Training
Jefferson Community College offers free, flexible training to help individuals open a licensed home-based daycare in as-little- as four months. Open to residents of Jefferson and Lewis counties, the program allows participants to start anytime.Training consists of 34 hours of non-credit instruction, covers essential business operations, health and safety requirements, and support for obtaining licensure through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYSOCFS). Start-up supply funding may be available for eligible individuals through Community Action Planning Council (CAPC) or Naturally Lewis, depending on the county of residence. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a Certificate of Completion from Jefferson signifying competencies in early childhood education and small business management.

Inquire today about Jefferson's free opportunities to help you reach your college and career goals! Call (315) 786-2200.