New York Is Offering Free College?

There's a lot that the state of Florida doesn't do well, but one of the few things they knocked out of the park was the "Bright Futures Scholarship". Essentially, it takes unused lottery tax money to pay for student's higher education.

If you get a certain score on your SAT/ACT and do a certain amount of community service, the state will literally pay 100% of your tuition in-state. New York is finally trying something similar.

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What is Reconnect?

At SUNY and CUNY, a new program has been making waves: Reconnect. This is a new program that offers college degrees for free. We're not just talking tuition either. Other fees, books, and supplies are also taken care of.

This isn't quite the "Universal College" that some had hoped it would be though, there is a very specific set of qualifications you must meet to take advantage of this opportunity.

How to Take Part in Reconnect

In order to get your free degree, you have to ensure you:

• Are a New York State resident
• Are 25 to 55 years old
• Do not have a college degree
• Plan to study full-time or part-time in an eligible degree program

Once accepted, you will have to choose an area of study. These are all high-demand fields, with the hope of bringing more into the workforce. Offered industries include:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Green and Renewable Energy
• Nursing and Health Professions
• Pathways to Teaching
• Technology

Once in, you'll get your Associates Degree, and be set up for success in a field that needs workers. If you haven't got your degree yet, there's no time like the present!