Adults 25-55 Now Eligible to Earn No Cost, Industry-Specific Degrees, at JCC through SUNY Reconnect Program

Governor Kathy Hochul’s “New York State Opportunity Promise” initiative recognizes that higher education is a pathway to economic opportunity and upward mobility—and Jefferson Community College is ready to help. To support this effort, New York State launched SUNY Reconnect, a program designed to remove barriers for adult learners ages 25–55. Through SUNY Reconnect, eligible New York State residents who have not yet earned a college degree can, after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), receive extra funding to cover any additional costs for tuition, fees and books. Students will not need to take out student loans!

JCC President Dr. Daniel Dupee states, “Jefferson Community College is proud to support Governor Hochul’s bold vision to expand access to higher education for adult learners through the SUNY Reconnect initiative. We remain committed to providing the guidance, flexibility, and academic excellence necessary to help students achieve their educational and career goals.”

Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services Paul Keller adds, “The programs eligible through SUNY Reconnect—including nursing, education, computer science, and engineering—are intentionally aligned with workforce needs, giving students a clear pathway to meaningful, in-demand careers.” 

With increased state funding and support, there’s never been a better time for adults to go to college. Dedicated advising will be available for those entering the SUNY Reconnect program to help guide students through the course selection and scheduling process, to help alleviate the stress of trying to fit college into a busy lifestyle, for those who work full or part time and have family commitments outside the classroom. 

As part of the SUNY Reconnect initiative, the following JCC programs are eligible:

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

Financial assistance is in place—now, do you need a flexible schedule to make college happen? Jefferson offers courses in multiple formats to fit today’s busy lifestyles:

• Online asynchronous (no set meeting time)
• Online synchronous (live virtual classes)
• Hybrid (a mix of online and on-campus instruction)
• In-person

These flexible options make it possible for working adults, parents, and career changers to earn a degree on their own time.

To learn more about SUNY Reconnect and eligible programs at Jefferson, contact Enrollment Services at (315) 786-2437.

Fall Semester 2025

• Early Session (8-week classes): August 25, 2025-October 16, 2025
• Full semester: August 25, 2025
• Late Session (8-week classes): October 20, 2025-December 12, 2025