As Economy Reopens OCC Is Ready To Prepare Central New Yorkers for In-Demand Jobs and Advanced Degrees - While Saving Money

Posted on June 16, 2021

Emmalee French came to Onondaga Community College with a dream. As a member of Oswego High School’s class of 2020, she wanted to earn a college degree for an in-demand job so she could return to her hometown and live and work in the community she grew up in and loved. Last month she earned her Electrical Technology degree from OCC and walked into a full-time job as an Electrical Technician at Novelis in Oswego. And she did all of it without going into debt.

Dreams — not debt — are why students of all ages go to college. Like Emmalee French, New Yorkers go to college to achieve their goals, whether earning an associate degree for an in-demand job, learning new skills to change careers, or pursuing a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. That’s exactly what SUNY’s 30 Community Colleges across New York, including Onondaga Community College here in Central New York, are designed for.

 

At a time when student loan debt is rising across the country, nearly two-thirds of SUNY Community College associate degree graduates have zero student loan debt. That means they leave our campus with no student debt, but have an accredited SUNY degree and a pathway to an in-demand job or guaranteed transfer to a bachelor’s degree at another SUNY institution. Simply put, community college is the most affordable way to earn a college degree, no matter how far you want to go.

 

Here at OCC, we understand how severely impacted people were by the pandemic. That’s why our Board of Trustees voted to freeze tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year. In the fall our full-time tuition will be $2,545, the same as it was last year.

 

New York State is rebounding and rebuilding after the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means job opportunities in many industries will return to full vitality and new, future-looking jobs will be created. With deep ties to their communities and regions, SUNY Community Colleges can help you (or someone in your family) seize this moment – and make education work around a busy life, with flexible on-campus and online associate degree programs for full-time or part-time students.

 

Now is the time to consider your future and how higher education can get you there, whether you’re a high school senior eager to pursue your dreams or a working parent looking for a new direction.

 

To help raise awareness this summer, our proud alumni like Emmalee French are sharing their stories in SUNY’s #CommunityCollegeGotMeHere campaign. I encourage you to check them out, reach out to us at suny.edu/communitycollege, and learn about all the places Onondaga Community College can take you.

 

John P. Sindoni, Chair, Onondaga Comunity College Board of Trustees

Melanie Littlejohn, Vice Chair, Onondaga Community College Board of Trustees

Other Member News

Broadway in Syracuse
July 26, 2024

TICKETS FOR CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S LES MISÉRABLES WILL GO ON SALE JULY 29TH AT 10AM

This reborn dream of a production looks and sounds fresher than ever. Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine - You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated.

Logo for Dannible & McKee, LLP
July 25, 2024

Dannible & McKee, LLP Announces the Promotion of 18 Professionals

The commitment to excellence from these 18 professionals is well demonstrated, and we congratulate them on their achievements.

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout
July 24, 2024

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout

His advocacy, born from an understanding of coalition-building and decision-making, has been influential amid many regulatory challenges.

Forbes Best Employers for Women logo
July 23, 2024

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Recognized by Forbes as One of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024

This award highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where women can thrive and advance their careers.

Ashley McGraw Architects
July 23, 2024

Ashley McGraw Architects Acquires studioMLA Architects, A National Leader in Early Education Design

Founded in 2006, studioMLA Architects is recognized as a national leader in the design of early education facilities along with nature-inspired playscapes for young children.

Mike Becallo
July 23, 2024

Michael Becallo Joins Oswego Health as Community Relations Representative

Originally from Cicero, Becallo is well-routed in CNY and brings over 15 years of healthcare experience.

Kate Weidman, Deputy Executive Director, AURORA of CNY
July 19, 2024

AURORA of CNY Announces Leadership Changes

Weidman will transition into the role of Executive Director following the retirement of current Executive Director Debra Chaiken, ensuring a seamless succession in leadership.

Credit Score 101
July 17, 2024

Credit Score 101 - Everything You Need to Know

Understanding and managing your credit score is a key step towards achieving financial stability and success. 

Larry Bousquet
July 16, 2024

Crouse Health Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Members

The Crouse Health Board of Directors has appointed two new directors.