Chancellor King Visits Jefferson Community College as Part of the SUNY Reconnect Tour

July 21, 2025

Governor Hochul's SUNY Reconnect Provides Free Community College Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supplies for Eligible Adult Learners in High-Demand Fields

Visit Highlights JCC's Nursing Programs as Part of the SUNY Reconnect Program and Academic Support and Resources for Veterans and Their Families

Watertown, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today visited Jefferson Community College as part of the SUNY Reconnect Tour. Chancellor King will continue visiting SUNY community colleges throughout the state to promote New York's free community college program for adult learners, which will begin in fall 2025. Under Governor Kathy Hochul's SUNY Reconnect initiative, 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 pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.

Chancellor King visited JCC to highlight the school's nursing programs, which are in particular demand with students who are current and former military service members. The campus is known for its comprehensive support of veterans, including SUNY's Credit for Prior Learning policy that grants college credits for demonstrated learning outside the traditional classroom, including military experience.

"SUNY's community colleges are a driving force toward greater upward mobility and career success, and for our military-affiliated students, the Governor's SUNY Reconnect and expanded Veterans Tuition Awards Program make college even more accessible," said SUNY Chancellor King. "I look forward to continuing the SUNY Reconnect Tour, which reinforces Governor Hochul's commitment to making higher education opportunities available to New Yorkers looking to transform their lives."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY Jefferson is a keystone institution for the entire North Country, and empowering adult learners to pursue degrees in high-demand fields through this world-class institution will help the local and regional economies thrive. We applaud Governor Hochul and state leaders for investing in New Yorkers through the SUNY Reconnect free community college program, and we encourage all eligible New Yorkers to unleash their full potential through this initiative."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Prioritizing free community college for adult learners is a great way to introduce New Yorkers, including our honorable veterans, to all that SUNY campuses offer. Programs in fields such as nursing, education, and engineering give students a clear pathway to in-demand careers. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to workforce development initiatives that educate New Yorkers and make the state an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family."

Viviana M. DeCohen, Commissioner, New York State Department of Veterans' Services, said, "Governor Hochul's SUNY Reconnect initiative sends a powerful message to New York's Veterans and Military Families: your service matters, and your future matters just as much. By making community college tuition-free for adult learners, this program removes a major barrier and opens the door to new careers, new goals, and new beginnings. SUNY Jefferson is a standout partner in this work, offering not only strong academic programs but a positive environment that truly understands and supports those connected to military service. The New York State Department of Veterans' Services thanks Governor Hochul, SUNY Chancellor King, and is proud to support this effort to invest in those who have invested so much in us."

NYSUT President Melinda Person said, "SUNY Reconnect is about giving adult learners a second chance at higher education and the sustainable careers that will follow, whether you're a veteran, a parent, or someone who put your education on pause to serve your community. NYSUT is proud to support this effort that will expand access to public higher education and is deeply connected to the needs of our students and state."

To support adult learners and military-affiliated students through SUNY Reconnect, JCC offers flexible class formats—including evening, online, and hybrid options—that fit around full-time jobs, military duties, and family life. JCC awards maximum credit for prior learning and military experience, helping students fast-track their degree. The college also provides a dedicated Veterans Lounge on campus and two offices—one on Fort Drum and one at Jefferson—staffed by military-affiliated professionals who understand the challenges of returning to school, navigating VA education benefits, and balancing service or civilian careers with academic goals.

Currently, 24 percent of JCC students are adult learners and 15 percent are military-affiliated. With SUNY Reconnect and the recently expanded Veterans Tuition Awards Program, which was announced by Governor Hochul earlier this month, JCC is well positioned to help more students advance their education and careers—without putting life on hold.

State Assemblymember Scott Gray said, "SUNY Reconnect opens the door for adult learners to re-engage with higher education, and Jefferson Community College is uniquely positioned to meet that need—especially for veterans, service members, and those pursuing careers in high-demand fields like nursing. Gratitude is extended to Governor Hochul and Chancellor King for championing this effort to expand access, affordability, and opportunity right here in the North Country."

State Assemblymember Robert Smullen said, "Jefferson Community College has long been a vital institution for the North Country, especially for our veterans and military families. As a veteran myself, I'm proud to support programs that recognize the value of military service and help translate that experience into essential and fulfilling careers. The SUNY Reconnect initiative is a smart investment in our workforce and a pathway for adult learners looking to enter high-demand fields like nursing. I applaud Chancellor King and Governor Hochul for highlighting the excellent work being done at Jefferson Community College."

Dr. Daniel J. Dupee, II, President of Jefferson Community College, said, "We were honored to welcome Chancellor King to Jefferson Community College. His visit underscored the critical role SUNY plays in expanding access to higher education—whether for adult learners seeking a fresh start or veterans who have served our country. These state initiatives are transforming lives, and we’re proud to be part of that mission."

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
  • Pathways to Teaching in shortage areas

To support the launch of SUNY Reconnect, SUNY has:

  • Allocated $4 million to community colleges to support SUNY Reconnect programmatic implementation through advising, enrollment, outreach, award of credit for prior learning, and other student services, supports, and campus operations.
  • Provided an additional $1 million to cover equipment, materials, supplies, and other one-time needs to increase student enrollment capacity in high-demand programs that are part of SUNY Reconnect.
  • Announced $1.1 million in grant funding for the SUNY Adult Learner Leadership Initiative to help community colleges increase access and ensure degree completion for adult learners.

In addition to SUNY Reconnect, the FY25-26 Enacted State Budget provides $8 million in increased operating aid to community colleges – the first back-to-back operating aid increases in decades for these institutions – and maintains the 100 percent community college funding floor, which protects community colleges from $75 million lost direct state tax support.

The budget also provides significant funding toward New York's longstanding Educational Opportunity Program, which has served more than 85,000 students, and increased support for ASAP|ACE, which will make these proven retention and completion programs permanent at SUNY and allow for a significant expansion.

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

Share this:

       

 
Contact:
Holly Liapis
518-320-1311
Email the Office of Communications