The 2025-2026 Enacted State Budget provides for the creation of the New York State Opportunity Scholarship Program, which will leverage the SUNY Reconnect initiative to transform the lives of adults across New York State (NYS) and advance upward mobility for New Yorkers by providing a free community college degree in a high-demand field. A team of internal stakeholders from across campus have been reviewing guidance from SUNY and considering how to best implement SUNY Reconnect at HVCC.
The SUNY Reconnect program provides direct student scholarship funding to support tuition, fees, books and supplies.
A student must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A student must be aged 25-55 years.
- A student aging into this range must turn 25 on or before the first day of the part of term.
- A student aging out of this range must be no older than 55 on January 1 of the year in which they enroll.
- A student cannot have already earned an associate or higher-level degree regardless of where it was earned.
- A student with certificate(s), microcredential(s), or some college credits but no degree are eligible.
- A student must be a resident of NYS or qualify for in-state tuition.
- A student is 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.
Please also note the following:
- New, continuing and returning students qualify.
- A student must be enrolled in an approved associate degree program. Certificates and microcredentials do not qualify for funding.
- All other grants and scholarships awarded will be applied before SUNY Reconnect funding; a student will receive SUNY Reconnect funding only if a funding gap exists between the cost to attend and other aid awarded. Student accounts and aid packages will be continually reviewed to ensure a student is not over-awarded.
- Awards will be automatically authorized; a student is not required to complete an application for SUNY Reconnect. When awarded, a student will be notified accordingly.
- Students may attend full- or part-time but must take a minimum of six credits per semester, which may include winter and summer terms. Courses must be applicable to the degree program.
- Courses in terms shorter than a standard semester in duration qualify provided they are credit-bearing and the student meets the minimum credit requirement. There are no restrictions on course modality.
- SUNY Reconnect funding may be awarded for up to 10 semesters.
- Students will lose future funding if they change to an ineligible degree program, but students may become eligible by changing to an eligible program.
Additional information is available at:
- HVCC SUNY Reconnect – includes a list of HVCC qualifying programs and information for students
- Interested students, families and supporters may attend one of the upcoming virtual information sessions listed on this webpage.
- SUNY Reconnect – includes system-wide information and FAQs
- HVCC staff can learn more at the upcoming Enrollment Information Sessions.
Questions about SUNY Reconnect should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@hvcc.edu or 518-629-7150.
Published: Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:22:32 +0000 by i.lachance