For a parent pursuing a college degree, finding affordable, dependable child care can be just as important as finding the right classes. At Onondaga Community College, funding that covers child care expenses at the campus Children's Learning Center is helping SUNY Reconnect students do both: work toward a degree while knowing their children are in a safe, supportive environment where they can learn and grow.
OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton recently met with six SUNY Reconnect students whose children attend the Children's Learning Center to hear how the program is affecting their lives, their families, and their ability to continue their education. Currently, funding from a combination of grants and SUNY Reconnect supports six child care spots at the center. Hilton hopes to build a case for expanding that support, and the students' experiences are helping demonstrate why the investment matters.
SUNY Reconnect provides eligible adults ages 25 to 55 with the opportunity to attend college tuition-free in designated workforce-focused programs. OCC offers 22 degree programs through SUNY Reconnect, helping students prepare for careers while reducing the financial barriers to higher education. As student-parents told Dr. Hilton, the additional child care support can make an already life-changing opportunity more attainable.
- Shade McKnight, Adolescence Education major: "Reconnect has changed things for me. I'm living my college dream now. I'm fully supported. My daughter is 2 and she gets to come here. It helps a lot. She gets to learn and play and grow as I grow. This is really helping us take control of our lives."
- Mariah Rinaldi, Health Sciences major: "College wasn't a financial option I could afford. When I learned about SUNY Reconnect, I made the decision to come back to school. As a parent, I have a lot of peace of mind coming here (to the Children's Learning Center). Any other options I would have had for child care weren't nearly as good."
- Kahlia Stewart, Nursing major: "This took a lot of weight and pressure financially off my back. This program is helping me get through school. My child is secure, he's safe, he's learning, he's having fun. Having this opportunity to be here, to get my education, has taken a lot of weight off our shoulders."
- Marisha Williams, Health Sciences major: "Being helped with the cost of child care is tremendous. This opportunity has given us a second chance. It's too good to pass up. And having child care makes it even more positive."
- Peter Adeyemi, Nursing major: "SUNY Reconnect is a tremendous help. When we came here and saw the opportunities, we thought 'this is beautiful.' It gave us strength and courage to keep going! This funding gives us the peace of mind to pursue the degree we want."
- Hawa Giannetto, Cybersecurity: "SUNY Reconnect and childcare assistance were a complete miracle for me. I searched all of Syracuse for a daycare and there was none that came close to the level of care and professionalism that the CLC staff provides. It gives me peace of mind, and allows me to stay focused on getting to the finish line. I want everyone supporting me to know their efforts, resources, and support are making an impact!"
The students' experiences illustrate how removing barriers beyond tuition can help adult learners make progress toward their educational and career goals. Dr. Hilton hopes to use what he heard from students to advocate for additional funding that would allow more SUNY Reconnect student-parents to benefit from child care at OCC.
