ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — If you’ve thought about going back to college, but the cost has kept you from doing it, SUNY says there is still time to enroll this fall and potentially earn an Associate’s degree for free.
The SUNY Reconnect program is entering its second year and it’s expanding after more than 5,600 students took advantage of it last year.
The program covers tuition, fee, books, and supplies for New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 pursuing an Associate’s degree in certain high-demand fields.
Healthcare, particularly nursing, led enrollment last year, followed by fields including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and IT.
“One of the things that’s been such a hit around SUNY Reconnect is employers desperately need folks in these areas,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “Many times our students who are in cybersecurity programs are getting job offers before they even graduate because folks have such a need. Certainly our local hospitals desperately need nurses.”
This year, SUNY has expanded eligibility to add fields including air traffic control, emergency management, and logistics. SUNY technical colleges are also now included.
“It’s just so transformative for folks. You know, many times we have students in the Reconnect program– they maybe started college when they were 18, they took a few classes, it didn’t work out, and they’ve been thinking about it for years and thinking when’s the right moment to come back to school. What SUNY Reconnect has done is it’s unlocked opportunity for folks,” said King.
King says the goal is to not only help New Yorkers thrive, but also help boost the workforce in key industries.
He says it’s not too late to enroll for the fall semester. Those interested can contact their local Suny community college to find out which programs quality and apply.