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GCC Reimagines Adult Learning with SUNY Reconnect Program

By Ashton Drought
March 20, 2026

Adult learners are college students who are older than the typical college student. Many are people who decided to go to college after already starting their adult lives.

The SUNY Reconnect Program, which began in the Fall of 2025, aims to help those students on their journeys, and GCC has selected former adult learners Lori Kubik and Robin Van Dorn to help guide them.

SUNY Reconnect is a program designed for adult learners, ages 25 to 55, who meet the following criteria:

  • Be a New York State resident or eligible for in-state tuition,
  • Be at least 25 years old by the first day of the enrollment semester and no older than 55 years on January 1 of the year in which they enroll,
  • Have not previously earned a degree (can have college credits, certificate, or micro-credential),
  • Enroll in an eligible high-demand program,
  • Attend full-time or part-time (minimum 6 credits per semester).

The program’s goal is to encourage potential adult learners to earn degrees in growing fields at no cost to them. These career fields are in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Studies, Health Studies, Web Design, Computer Information Systems, Computer Support & Operations, Computerized Drafting and Design, Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking, Teacher Education Transfer, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Respiratory Care.

Last Fall semester, GCC served 115 students in the Reconnect program. This semester, they’re helping 64 students.

Kubik has worked at GCC for 14 years as an adjunct English and reading professor, but she recently transitioned to a new role as an Adult Learning Specialist. SUNY Reconnect Success Coach Robin Van Dorn has worked at GCC for almost four years and has 20 years of teaching experience. As teachers and former adult learners themselves, Kubik and Van Dorn have experience and advice for students starting the SUNY Reconnect Program.

Van Dorn suggested that students prepare themselves for returning back to school. “Make sure you do your research,” she said. “Be prepared.” She explained that a study skills course she took when she returned to school helped her when she began taking classes.

Kubik encouraged students to build connections with others. “Form connections with other adult learners,” she said. “You can really help each other through it, give each other advice, and help build a community.”

Both also shared advice for people who may feel nervous about returning to school. “Look into school resources,” Kubik said. “We have free counseling for every student. We have the food pantry and the fitness center available. We are here to help.” GCC also offers on-campus childcare, and grants are available to help cover the cost.

Van Dorn discussed the challenges of going to school as a parent, saying that a time-block style schedule helped her balance school and family responsibilities. She suggested starting small. “Take one class at a time, if you have to. One is better than none,” she said.

Here is the link to SUNY Reconnect on GCC’s website: https://www.genesee.edu/freecc/

For more information, contact
Jordan Stenzel
Admissions
585-343-0055 x6191
jsstenzel@genesee.edu