17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ

Free College, Workforce Credentials, and Prior-Learning Credit for Eligible Adults — Info Session Highlights Full Range of Pathways to a Degree

 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ invites adult learners, returning students, and career changers to a free Adult Learners Registration and Information Session on Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 112 College Road, Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. The event is designed for adults balancing work, family, and other responsibilities — whether considering college for the first time, returning after a break, or building new skills to advance a career. No appointment is necessary; attendees are welcome to drop in at any time.

17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ staff will be on hand to discuss every pathway to a credential — from free associate degrees through SUNY Reconnect and short-term workforce training programs in healthcare and emergency services, to academic credit for the skills and experience adults already have. Light refreshments will be provided.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE APRIL 14 REGISTRATION & INFORMATION SESSION

Attendees arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a brief admissions presentation followed by a Q&A. After the presentation, students can speak with 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ staff and complete steps to get started with the enrollment process. On-site staff will be available to:

• Walk attendees through the free online application (takes approximately 15 minutes)
• Review SUNY Reconnect eligibility and explain next steps
• Discuss workforce training programs and upcoming enrollment dates for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs
• Review transferable credits from previous college coursework
• Connect prospective students with academic advisors to discuss the right program fit
• Assist with FAFSA and TAP applications and answer financial aid questions

Information on specific pathways and programs for adult learners at 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ follows below.

SUNY RECONNECT: A FREE ASSOCIATE DEGREE FOR ELIGIBLE ADULT LEARNERS

A centerpiece of the April 14 Adult Learner Registration and Information Session will be information about SUNY Reconnect, Governor Kathy Hochul’s free community college initiative for adult learners. Launched in Fall 2025, the program has already enrolled more than 5,600 New Yorkers statewide — and 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ is a proud participating institution.

What SUNY Reconnect Covers:

• Tuition and mandatory fees — fully covered after all other financial aid (TAP, Pell Grant, etc.) is applied.
• Books and required course supplies — also covered.
• No repayment required — this is a scholarship, not a loan.

Who Is Eligible:

• New York State residents ages 25 to 55 
• Have not yet earned a college degree
• Enroll in a qualifying associate degree program at 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ
• Take a minimum of six credits per semester and complete the degree within 10 semesters

SUNY Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship — it covers whatever tuition and fees remain after all other eligible financial aid has been applied. Students are not required to take out loans, and those who do not qualify for financial aid are still eligible.

17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ’s eligible Reconnect programs include Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counseling (AAS), Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education (AA), Computer Information Systems (AAS), Computer Programming (AAS), Green Building Technology (AAS), Medical Assistant (AAS), Nursing (AAS), and Respiratory Care (AAS). 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ staff will review individual eligibility and walk prospective students through every step of the process.

“Whether you took a detour, stepped away to raise a family, or simply couldn’t make the traditional college model work for you, 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ was built with you in mind,” said Dr. David Potash, President of 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ. “SUNY Reconnect means that for many adults in Sullivan County, the cost of a degree no longer has to stand in the way. April 14 is your chance to come in, ask every question, and leave with a real plan.”

WORKFORCE TRAINING: FAST-TRACK CREDENTIALS IN HEALTHCARE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

For adults who need to enter, or re-enter, the workforce quickly, 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ offers short-term, career-focused training programs that lead directly to employment in high-demand fields. Two programs of particular interest to adult learners will be highlighted at the information session:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training

17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ’s Certified Nursing Assistant Training program prepares students to sit for the New York State CNA certification examination. The program combines classroom instruction in nursing fundamentals, anatomy, and patient care with hands-on clinical training. CNAs are in strong demand across Sullivan County and the Hudson Valley, working in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. The program is designed for adult learners who want to enter the healthcare field quickly and, for many, serves as a first step toward a full nursing degree. Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / EMS Training

In partnership with BOCES, 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ offers Emergency Medical Technician training for students seeking to become certified EMTs. The program covers emergency medical care, patient assessment, airway management, trauma response, and more, preparing graduates to work with local ambulance corps, fire departments, and emergency services agencies. Sullivan County, like much of rural New York, faces a persistent shortage of trained emergency responders — and completing this program is a direct pathway to filling that critical gap in our community.

Additional Health Sciences Workforce Programs

17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ’s full health sciences portfolio also includes Phlebotomy (Microcredential), Direct Support Professional training, Health Occupations Certificate, and Medical Assistant programs at the certificate and associate degree levels — all designed to move adult learners into the workforce efficiently. Staff at the info session can help prospective students identify which program best fits their goals, schedule, and prior experience.

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING: YOUR EXPERIENCE HAS VALUE

Many adult learners don’t realize how much of what they already know can count toward a college degree. 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program allows students to earn academic credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of traditional coursework — potentially shortening the time and cost to complete a degree.

Ways to Earn Credit for Prior Learning:

• Standardized exams (CLEP, AP, IB) — submit existing test scores for credit evaluation
• Challenge exams — demonstrate mastery of a subject through a faculty-developed test
• Life and work experience portfolio — document how real-world experience meets course learning objectives
• Military training and service — reviewed through ACE, DANTES, or other recognized programs
• Industry certifications and professional training — evaluated for potential course equivalency

Students can earn up to 75% of the credits required for a degree, certificate, or microcredential through Credit for Prior Learning. Credits are recorded as pass/fail on the academic transcript and do not affect GPA. 

Credit for Prior Learning is especially valuable for adult learners who have years of professional experience, military service, or industry training that aligns with college-level coursework. To begin the evaluation process, students may contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@sunysullivan.edu or visit the One-Stop Office E212, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS — FULLY ACCREDITED, FULLY FLEXIBLE

17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ Online offers fully accredited associate degrees and certificates taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs and backed by the full SUNY system. Students may study entirely online or choose a blended combination. Transfer credits from prior college coursework are accepted alongside Credit for Prior Learning.

Currently Available Online Programs:

• Business Administration (AAS and AS)
• Business Administration: Marketing (AAS)
• Business Accounting (AAS)
• Hospitality & Tourism Management (AAS)
• Green Building Technology (AAS)
• Liberal Arts & Sciences (AA)
• Liberal Arts & Sciences: English (AA)
• Liberal Arts & Sciences: History (AA)
• Liberal Arts & Sciences: Psychology (AS)

All online programs use SUNY’s Brightspace learning platform, allowing students to access coursework, communicate with instructors, and manage their schedule from any device. Fall and spring enrollment is available, with accelerated winter and summer sessions for students who want to complete their degree sooner.

About 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ: 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Its diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, 17cÆð²ÝÊÓƵ offers over 40 degree, certificate, and micro-credential programs for learners at all levels of their educational goals. Its team values critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

###