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Range of Free Program Opportunities Available at
Jefferson Community College to Reach College and Career Goals
Published: July 25, 2025 at
09:30 a.m.
By: Press Release
from Jefferson Community College
Reach Your College and Career Goals Through Free
Opportunities at Jefferson
Watertown, NY — Whether you are
looking to earn a college degree, start a new career, prepare for fall
semester, or launch your own business, Jefferson Community College
(JCC) is making it easier than ever to take that first step, with
a range of free programs available now. Traditional students,
working adults, and aspiring entrepreneurs can access the education and
skills they need to succeed without the burden of high costs or complicated
processes.
Highlighted
Programs Include:
Summer Prep
Program
Students entering/returning to college this fall can get a jump start on
campus life, build confidence, and possibly test out of non-credit
developmental (000-level) courses through Jefferson’s free summer program
beginning August 8, 2025. Participants will acclimate to college
expectations, ease the transition to college, and potentially shorten their
time to graduation.
Grant-Funded
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Microcredentials
With employees of The Arc Jefferson–St. Lawrence and The Arc Oneida–Lewis
in mind, JCC is offering free DSP I and II microcredentials
to help DSPs continue supporting individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, advance their careers, and obtain national
certification(s) and college credentials. Microcredentials
are fully funded thanks to grants from the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and the State University
of New York.
Healthcare Career
Training Through the Caring Gene® Academy
A unique partnership between JCC, The Caring Gene®, and the Iroquois
Healthcare Association offers free training to become a pharmacy technician
or certified medical assistant (CMA). In-person training begins September
8, 2025, for the Clinical Medical Assistant program and September 17, 2025,
for the Pharmacy Technician program. Both programs are also
available fully online with rolling admission—participants can start at any
time.
Free Community
College for Adults Ages 25-55
Through the SUNY Reconnect initiative, eligible adults pursuing degrees in
high-demand fields such as healthcare, education, technology, and
engineering may attend JCC tuition-free. Prospective students can learn
more by attending Jefferson’s SUNY Reconnect information session on July
29. Register at www.sunyjefferson.edu/freecc.
Excelsior
Scholarship
Many New Yorkers qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, which makes college
tuition-free for students attending SUNY schools full-time while meeting
certain academic and income requirements. Jefferson offers over 50 academic
programs to prepare students for careers or transfer. With multiple ways to
take classes, college can fit around work, family, and everyday life—rather
than the other way around. Fall classes begin August 25, 2025.
Free Home-Based
Childcare Training
Jefferson Community College offers free, flexible training to help
individuals open a licensed home-based daycare in as-little- as four
months. Open to residents of Jefferson and Lewis counties, the program
allows participants to start anytime. Training consists of 34 hours of
non-credit instruction, covers essential business operations, health and
safety requirements, and support for obtaining licensure through the New
York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYSOCFS). Start-up
supply funding may be available for eligible individuals through Community
Action Planning Council (CAPC) or Naturally Lewis, depending on the county
of residence. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a
Certificate of Completion from Jefferson signifying competencies in early
childhood education and small business management.
Inquire today
about Jefferson's free opportunities to help you reach your college and
career goals! Visit www.sunyjefferson.edu or call (315)
786-2200.
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About Jefferson
Community College
Established on
November 7, 1961, Jefferson Community College was the area’s first
institution of higher education. Supervised by the State University of New
York (SUNY), Jefferson offers more than 50 associate degrees, certificates,
and microcredentials for career preparation and
transfer. The college also provides local access to bachelor’s and advanced
degrees through partner institutions; lifelong learning through workshops
and seminars; business and industry training; community-based research;
forums for the productive discussion of ideas and regional issues through
the Center for Community Studies; and cultural enrichment opportunities
that serve the entire tri-county region—Fort Drum’s military installation
among them. Jefferson, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher
Education, currently serves approximately 2,400 students, many of whom are
service members and their families. Visit www.sunyjefferson.edu for
more information.
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