At age 37, Chris Conklin is proving it's never too late to restart, recharge, and rebuild your future - especially when it involves taking advantage of a program aimed at helping adult learners.
Conklin is attending Onondaga Community College tuition-free thanks to SUNY Reconnect, a new, free community college program for students between the ages of 25 and 55 who have not yet earned a college degree. SUNY Reconnect covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies after all other financial aid is applied. When New York State Governor Kathy Hochul was rallying support for the program, she came to the Onondaga Community College campus in January 2025. OCC student Josh Barr shared his story, and how much such a program would help him. The program was approved by the New York State Legislature a few months later.
"Not having to pay for college is really helpful," Conklin said. "There's no student debt. I can put the money I save towards my honeymoon in Barbados in the spring, and this makes it possible for me to lower my working hours so I can focus on my school work and maintain a good work-life balance."
Conklin is double-majoring in Engineering Science and Mathematics & Science at OCC. After he graduates next May, he plans to continue his education at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, having carefully mapped every class to meet rigorous transfer requirements. His ultimate goal is a career in electrical and computer engineering, with a focus on robotics and animatronics.
Before coming to OCC, he had tried college online but struggled with the format. He credits his wife, Kara Benson, who recently earned her master's degree in social work, with encouraging him to try again. "She inspired me to come back. She suggested I come to OCC and see how it works because it is more affordable."
He started in August 2024, and while those early days were daunting, he quickly found his footing. “It was a little overwhelming at first,” Conklin admits. “My first semester was a little rough. But I met the teachers and started working on things. It eased out.” By the second semester, he was earning straight A’s. "I was in classes that involved what I plan on doing. It was really fun. I was pushing for straight A's in my specific field. It was a goal."
Achieving his goal led to an invitation to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He's also part of the online AT3 program, which stands for Advanced Technology Technician Training. It provides technical education students virtual reality simulations and pathways to internships in the micro, nano, and other high-tech fields.
With the support of his wife, a well-thought-out academic plan, and SUNY Reconnect, Conklin has a clear path forward to a great career.
