The timing of the SUNY Reconnect program couldn’t have been better for Hanan Qahtan. As she prepared for her youngest of three children to start first grade in fall 2025, she also learned about New York State’s new tuition-free community college initiative.
“I had never been to college before,” she said. “I thought, this is the right time. I finally have time to study, and I want to focus on my future.”
SUNY Reconnect is a program designed for adults ages 25 to 55 who have not yet earned a college degree. It covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies after other financial aid is applied. The program opened enrollment for the fall 2025 semester, creating new opportunities for students like Qahtan.
After reviewing the list of eligible majors, Qahtan chose to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. She carefully built a schedule of morning classes, ensuring she could remain present for her family later in the day.
“I planned my schedule to balance being a mother and a student,” she said. “My husband and children have supported me every step of the way, and OCC has been very supportive too.”
Her hard work quickly paid off. In her first semester, Qahtan excelled academically and earned membership in Onondaga Community College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
“My son said to me, ‘Mom, you have a great GPA,’” she recalled with a smile.
Even as she pursues her education, family remains at the heart of her motivation.
“I want to set a good example for my children,” she said. “Education is important. Sometimes social media makes it seem like you don’t need it, like life is easy, but it's not. You need an education. My children see me studying and doing homework, and they understand that learning matters. I hope to continue on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees. One day, I would love to work in academia here and give back to this college for all of the support it has given me.”
