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MCC Daily Tribune

SUNY Reconnect

New York State has enacted Governor Hochul’s “Opportunity Promise Scholarship” proposal to make a SUNY Community College degree in high-demand fields free for adults between the ages of 25 and 55 without a college degree.  The scholarship program has been branded as SUNY Reconnect. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies (after applicable financial aid) related to the program.  Please see the information below that provides highlights of this scholarship. 

 Student Requirements/Eligibility

  • Resident of NYS
  • Ages 25-55 with no degree as of the first day of the semester
  • Students with certificate(s), microcredential(s), or some college credits but no degree are eligible
  • A student must be matriculated in an approved program of study* in order to qualify for the scholarship
  • Students are required to apply for TAP or the NYS DREAM Act, if eligible, and must make every effort to maximize federal aid through the FAFSA, if applicable. All other grants and scholarships awarded will be applied before the NYS Opportunity Promise Scholarship
  • Students will be required to maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with campus academic standards 

Time to Degree Requirements

  • Students may attend full- or part-time; must take minimum of six credits per semester
  • Must complete associate degree within 10 semesters
  • Students in progress who age-out will remain eligible until they complete their degree, as long as other program requirements are met
  • Students can take leave for one academic year without completing credits before removal from program.  Campuses may grant extensions for medical reasons, family leave, military service, etc.

Currently Enrolled Students

  • Students currently enrolled in an eligible program will be able to participate if they meet all other program requirements 

Approved Academic Programs

  • SUNY will determine program eligibility in the pre-determined high-demand areas listed in legislation using program CIP codes
    • MCC has listed our currently approved programs* on our website
    • MCC will continue to evaluate programs and recommend to SUNY for approval
  • Students must be declared in an approved associate degree program/course of study that aligns with high-demand industries identified
  • High-demand certificate programs are not eligible for funding, unless they are embedded in an approved degree program  

SUNY Reconnect will be an ongoing program that begins in Fall 2025.  There is no separate application process for this program. Admissions, Financial Aid, Registration and Records, Advisement, Marketing along with Student Accounts will work collaboratively to identify students who meet eligibility requirements. Award eligibility will be communicated to students that are eligible for the scholarship and provide information about the program and majors.  Additional details on MCC’s implementation of this program will be shared through Trib notifications as they become available. 

Christine Casalinuovo-Adams
Enrollment Management
05/27/2025