Finding the Right Fit

Rebecca began researching her options — and 91����Ƶ’s SUNY Reconnect program stood out immediately.

“I was looking at all my options and 91����Ƶ was right here,” she said. “I had seen a little mention of SUNY Reconnect on the website, and I was like, okay, they have the nursing program there, and most states require a master’s in nursing to be a certified nurse midwife. I’m like, well, I might as well just start right here.”

SUNY Reconnect offers free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible New York State residents aged 25–55 who don’t have a prior college degree and are enrolled in select high-demand programs. For Rebecca, it removed the financial barrier that so often keeps adult learners from returning to school.

A Tight-Knit Community

But the financial support was only part of what made 91����Ƶ the right choice. The small campus environment has been a game-changer.

“It’s a really good starting point,” Rebecca said. “I would definitely say the small size of the school makes it more of a tight-knit community. It’s easier to learn about work studies, to learn about the different clubs and activities and events going on. It’s easier to get to know your professors, as well as staff and faculty that are there to support you. They all are very invested and you get to know everyone pretty quickly. And there’s a lot of support in that. It feels like I’m being supported all the time.”

The college also offers strong transfer pathways, giving students flexibility as they plan their long-term goals.

“You can transfer to a lot of different colleges, so it’s a really good starting point,” Rebecca added. “It’s smaller, so you won’t be as overwhelmed as if you were starting at a bigger university per se or even a larger community college. There’s a lot of resources for scholarships and, you know, financial aid. We have the food pantry. So there’s a lot of support in that aspect.”

Setting an Example

For Rebecca, going back to school wasn’t just about her own career goals — it was about setting an example for her daughter.
“I wanted my daughter to grow up and see her mom not feel like ‘oh, I have a child, you know, I can’t go back to school now,'” Rebecca said. “I want her to be able to see that she can do anything at any point in time if she wants to. It’s never too late. There’s people here that are in their 80s that are in class. So it’s never too late.”

And in the process, Rebecca has internalized that lesson herself.

“I’ve ended up instilling it in myself,” she said. “Like, I can do anything I put my mind to. It might be hard, but, you know, it doesn’t matter what time frame I am in my life or stage in my life. I can always keep learning and doing new things and achieving things.”

What’s Next

Rebecca is on track to graduate with her Nursing AAS in 2027 — the first step toward her goal of becoming a certified nurse midwife. But beyond the degree, she’s gained something even more valuable: confidence.

“It’s definitely what I wanted to instill in my daughter,” Rebecca said. “And that’s very cool.”

Learn More About SUNY Reconnect

If you’re an adult learner considering going back to school, SUNY Reconnect can help make it possible. Eligible New York State residents aged 25–55 can receive free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for select high-demand programs.

Visit to learn more and apply today.

Jonathan Bruestle didn’t come to 91����Ƶ with a perfectly mapped-out plan. He came looking for a better fit and recently graduated with high honors, a clear transfer path, and a stronger sense of where criminal justice could take him.

“I chose 91����Ƶ because I wanted to feel more connected to the professors,” said Jonathan. “You feel like professors are focused on you more. It’s not as much of a competition.”

A Campus That Won Him Over

Jonathan had never been to the College before orientation. He wasn’t sure what to expect. That changed quickly.

I went to orientation and I loved the campus,” he said. “The professors were great. From the very first moment, it was just an all-around great experience.”

Jonathan also appreciated the flexibility 91����Ƶ gave him. He said he had no trouble building a class schedule that worked alongside his job, another part of the college experience that made 91����Ƶ feel manageable and personal.

Professors Who Open Doors

The classroom experience has been anything but ordinary. Associate Professor Jason Kaplan and Associate Professor Robert Eiler brought real-world criminal justice to life, including trips to the County Supreme Court and the 911 Emergency Center, a corrections officer presentation  and a visit from a canine unit, all of which expanded Jonathan’s sense of what a career in law enforcement could look like.

For Jonathan, hearing directly from working professionals helped him see the field from more than one perspective, something he said is hard to get from classroom instruction alone.

“It kind of opened up my thoughts to what I could do,” Jonathan said. “There’s a wide range of options. It’s not just being a cop.”

He also has a police ride-along scheduled, an experience he’s eagerly anticipating, and one he hopes future students will have access to even earlier in their experience at 91����Ƶ.

The Promise Scholarship Changed What Was Possible

When it came time to think about transfer options, the Sullivan County Promise Scholarship gave Jonathan the financial flexibility to aim higher than he originally thought possible.

“The Promise Scholarship allowed me to pick the college I actually wanted to go to,” he said. “It allowed me to save a lot of money, so instead of defaulting to a safer option, I thought, you know what, I’ll take the chance on John Jay.”

That chance paid off. Jonathan was accepted to the renowned John Jay College of Criminal Justice and later earned a spot in its more competitive online program, which will accept all of his 91����Ƶ transfer credits.

He leaves 91����Ƶ not only with a strong academic record, but with a clearer vision for what comes next.

What’s Next

Jonathan is heading into his next chapter with the state police exam on his radar, a transfer path to John Jay, and a broader sense of the opportunities available in criminal justice.

“Give it a chance,” he said, for anyone on the fence about 91����Ƶ. “You don’t expect it until you actually get on campus. And then you get here, and it’s its own unique, positive experience.”

Learn More About Sullivan Promise Scholarship

If you’re a recent high school graduate or GED recipient (2022-present), you may be eligible to attend 91����Ƶ with free tuition and fees for up to two years through our Sullivan Promise Scholarship.

Visit sunysullivan.edu/sullivan-promise-scholarship/ to learn more and apply today.