DRYDEN, N.Y. — Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) in Dryden is among the SUNY schools preparing for the new SUNY Connect initiative.
Under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect program, New York State will provide free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults ages 25-55 who don’t already have a college degree and would like to pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.
SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. on July 16 visited TC3 as part of the SUNY Reconnect Tour. During his visit, King emphasized TC3’s sustainable farming and food-system program, which is an eligible associate degree program under SUNY Reconnect.
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To support adult-learner success through SUNY Reconnect, TC3 will customize schedules for adult students, utilizing online and hybrid options for students that need to work while attending classes. Students also have access to dedicated advising and personal supports specifically for adult learners, including an on-campus childcare center and adult networking events.
“Community colleges like Tompkins Cortland provide life-changing upward mobility every day for New Yorkers,” King contended in the announcement. “I am confident that with Governor Hochul’s free community college program for adult learners, even more New Yorkers will open new doors to academic and professional opportunities they’ve always dreamed of.”
Chancellor King will be visiting SUNY community colleges throughout the state to promote New York’s free community college program for adult learners, which will begin this fall, per the SUNY announcement.
SUNY Reconnect will fund degrees in high-demand fields including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, technology, nursing and allied health fields, green and renewable energy, and pathways to teaching in shortage areas.
