Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Free College program has attracted thousands of adult learners

Students congregate around a clock tower on the Onondaga Community College campus.
WAER File Photo
Students congregate around a clock tower on the Onondaga Community College campus.

Over 16,000 adult learners have applied for New York’s free Community College tuition program. The program seeks adults in high demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, technology, engineering, nursing, green energy and teaching.

The CUNY and SUNY reconnect program covers tuition, books, fees, and supplies for eligible state residents who don’t have a degree and are between 25 and 55 years of age. More information can be found at Frequently Asked Questions on Free CC - SUNY.

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.