Cayuga Celebrates First Class of Free Community College Students

SUNY Reconnect Program Empowers Adult Learners Without a Prior Degree Looking to Pursue Careers in High-Demand Fields

Cayuga Community College today officially celebrated its first class of SUNY Reconnect students, a transformative free community college program for adult learners designed to help New Yorkers aged 25-55 without a prior degree earn an associate degree in a high-demand career field.

SUNY and local leaders joined President Dr. Brian Durant and the campus community on Thursday to highlight the benefits of SUNY Reconnect for Cayuga students enrolled this fall. This bold new model supports Reconnect students at Cayuga enrolled in an array of programs, including Health Sciences, Nursing, and Liberal Arts & Sciences: Adolescence Education.

“The cost of going to college should never stand in the way of any New Yorker achieving their personal and professional dreams,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “SUNY and CUNY Reconnect represent another important step forward in ensuring that quality education remains affordable and accessible for any student who is looking to fill key roles in fast-growing, good-paying fields throughout New York State.”

“Community colleges are engines of student success and economic prosperity, and the SUNY Reconnect program will help more New Yorkers access these essential institutions of upward mobility. This ambitious program launched by Governor Hochul and supported by our State Legislature means more adult students will have access to an affordable world-class education at SUNY community colleges starting now. Congratulations to all of the students beginning – or continuing – their educational journey through the SUNY Reconnect program during the Fall 2025 semester,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.

“Cayuga has always dedicated itself to offering exceptional academic and career pathways that connect our students with outstanding career opportunities. This commitment not only supports our students and their families, but simultaneously helps propel our regional and state economies forward,” said Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant. “Reconnect is an exciting new program that breaks down financial barriers and helps students set a new course for a successful career of their choosing.”

“The Reconnect program reminded me that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Growth doesn’t have an age limit — and sometimes, the best chapters come later in life,” said Cayuga student Keisha Marcellus, who is majoring in Health Sciences and is in the Reconnect program.

After all other forms of financial aid are applied, SUNY Reconnect covers the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and other supplies. Additional wraparound supports for SUNY Reconnect students provided by Cayuga include academic advising, career planning, and credit for prior learning.

SUNY Reconnect is part of Governor Hochul’s broader agenda to lower costs, expand education, and build a stronger workforce. The program was created to help open opportunities that fuel upward mobility for hard-working adults throughout New York and bolster the state’s workforce in key areas, including:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Engineering
  • Technology
  • Nursing and Allied Health
  • Green & Renewable Energy
  • Pathways to Teaching in Shortage Areas

Currently, there are 4 million working-age adults in New York who do not have a college degree, an estimated 1.5 million of whom have already completed some college but have yet to obtain a degree.

For more details on SUNY Reconnect at Cayuga, visit https://www.cayuga-cc.edu/freeCC/.