SUNY Reconnect Drives Enrollment Growth and Expands Opportunities for Adult Learners at Herkimer County Community College
Herkimer County Community College experienced a surge in adult learner enrollment this fall, driven by the success of the SUNY Reconnect program, an initiative designed to help New York residents aged 25-55 return to college.
SUNY Reconnect contributed to significant growth across several degree programs, including Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, Quality Assurance – Science, and Health Professions.
President Terri Grates Day said, “We are proud to see so many adult students returning to college, gaining new skills, and advancing their careers, all while balancing work and family responsibilities. Their success is a testament to the value of accessible, affordable, and flexible education.”
For students like Vishnu Balkarran, a quality assurance specialist in the pharmaceutical industry pursuing a degree in Quality Assurance - Science, the program has opened doors that were previously out of reach.
“If it wasn’t for the SUNY Reconnect program, I probably wouldn’t be in college at this moment,” Balkarran said. “The main reason I never went to college was the cost and financial commitment. Being able to achieve a college degree through this program is the biggest support for someone who is struggling in career advancement.”
For Ana Rebeca Castillo, a fully online student who lives several hours from campus, SUNY Reconnect made it financially possible to return to college and finish what she started.
“It being conditionally free has made a huge difference. That’s what made it possible for me to return,” Castillo said. “I’ve always wanted to complete my education. I actually enjoy learning, even though college can be stressful. I also want to earn my associate degree for my parents.”
She also praised Herkimer’s efforts to build community among online students.
“The online program and the support have been great. I really appreciate how the college tries to make online learning feel more connected,” she said. “I even signed up for a virtual painting session, which I’m excited about. Life has been stressful lately, and little things like that make the experience more enjoyable.”
John Fisher, a Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics major, said SUNY Reconnect provided the push he needed to return to school after several previous attempts.
“I had always wanted to go back to school. I tried a couple of times, but something always happened where I would have to stop,” Fisher said. “I saw the SUNY Reconnect program earlier this past summer and thought, I have to finish this. I figured there’s no excuse at this point.”
Fisher said the program’s financial support and academic guidance helped him choose the right path and stay motivated.
“Financially, it’s been a huge help to me. It also helped me go through and choose the school that I thought would be perfect for me,” he said.
As an adult learner, Fisher said the transition back to college life comes with both challenges and rewards.
“It’s been an adjustment,” he said. “I’m taking cybersecurity. It’s given me something to work for. I’m taking these classes in hopes that they will open up a new area of work for me, as well as more job security.”
The SUNY Reconnect initiative, launched earlier this year, covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies, and provides support to help adults complete associate degrees in high-demand fields.
Eligible programs at Herkimer College include Childhood Education, Computer and Network Security, Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, Electrical Technology, Engineering Science, Health Professions, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Quality Assurance Science. The cybersecurity and quality assurance programs are offered both on campus and fully online.
For more information about SUNY Reconnect at Herkimer College, visit www.herkimer.edu/freecc