SUNY’s 30 community colleges across New York State buoy their local communities and offer New Yorkers a launching pad for great careers. Whether students are jumping into the workforce, coming back to school, pursuing a trade, or transferring to complete a four-year degree, SUNY community colleges provide flexible, convenient, and supportive programs to get it done.
No matter your circumstance, no matter your interest, no matter your location, SUNY community colleges meet you where you’re at. If on-campus programs don’t fit your busy life, SUNY community colleges offer two-year degrees, 1-year certificates, and microcredentials online.
On top of that, choosing a community college can save you thousands on college tuition and help you avoid student debt. Between federal and state aid, 64% of SUNY associate degree graduates have ZERO federal student loan debt. Read on to meet community college students from across the state and learn why SUNY was the right choice for them.
Back to school
It’s been just about a year since Shelly Dunham had to make one of the biggest decisions of her life. For 33 years she had worked at Natur-Tyme, a health and wellness store where she served as Store Manager. In the spring of 2023 the owners informed their employees the business would be closing for good.
“When I knew my job was coming to an end, I was at a crossroads. I could follow the money in my current skills and possibly get a job somewhere in retail management, or I could follow my heart and work with a population of people I am very interested in and passionate about.”
Several years earlier Dunham had started volunteering regularly with We Rise Above The Streets Recovery Outreach, an organization which encourages people to live up to their full potential by breaking the cycle of homelessness and criminality. She loved the organization’s mission and the opportunity to help others. So when it was time to make her life-changing decision, she chose a path that meant the most to her.
“I want to be on the front lines, out in the community, working with and talking with people who really need help. That’s where I see myself.” – Shelly Dunham
In the fall of 2023, Dunham enrolled in Onondaga Community College‘s Human Services degree program and walked into a college classroom for the first time. “I felt comfortable and that says a lot because I don’t feel very comfortable out of my comfort zone.”
Her first semester went so well, she was inducted into OCC’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa. “It meant a lot to me. It was an honor. I’ve worked really really hard. This doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m proud of the grades I’m getting and I’m putting a lot of work into it. This is my job right now and I’m giving it 110 percent.”
Dunham’s success has become a focal point for her entire family. Her husband, son, and twin daughters who are juniors at West Genesee High School are all enjoying her achievements. “They’re so excited for me. I took a Sociology test last week and they knew I was getting it back today. I texted them when I got it (she earned a 99%) and they were all excited. We celebrate each other’s grades. With our daughters being in high school, I can relate to them now in a way I never could. They help me sometimes with technology, and they’re super encouraging.”
She also attributes much of her success to the faculty. “I’ve had great professors. They really want to see you succeed. I’m excited to learn, and I’ve been learning things that will undoubtedly help me.”
The environment Dunham has found on campus has also been very appealing. “When people ask me what I like about OCC most, I say ‘the diversity. I love the different people here from all walks of life.'”
Next year, Dunham will be in her final semester. Her goal is to continue the type of work she is doing at We Rise Above The Streets Recovery Outreach. “I want to be on the front lines, out in the community, working with and talking with people who really need help. That’s where I see myself.”
Pursuing a Trade
Cole Albrecht, a 2017 graduate of SUNY Adirondack, didn’t have much direction when his high school principal recommended he learn more about a new program at the campus.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I graduated from high school, knowing I could go to a blanket four-year school and get in so much debt, then get a job I didn’t even like.” – Cole Albrecht
Even once he heard about the latest offering from Early College Career Academy, a partnership between Washington Saratoga Warren Hamilton Essex (WSWHE) BOCES and the college, he wasn’t sure. But after his first year in the Advanced Manufacturing program, Albrecht realized the opportunity he had.
“A program like that, when I was a 16- or 17-year-old kid and didn’t know what I wanted to go to school for, that program was so valuable in figuring out what I wanted to do,” said Albrecht, a Hudson Falls native.
“I always liked working with my hands,” Albrecht said. “I took a lot of tech classes — learning basic AC/DC voltage, making circuits on breadboards, RFID — those classes were really cool and I could see examples of how the technology is used every day.”
Despite his original reluctance, Albrecht began to see the value of the program. “ECCA gave me more options and more avenues of what I might want to do by the time I graduated,” said Albrecht, who after graduating high school, enrolled as an Electrical Technology student at SUNY Adirondack, where he earned an associate degree in just one year, and graduated in 2017.
The summer after graduating from college, Albrecht acted as a program assistant, applied for jobs at regional companies, and considered going on to a bachelor’s program at SUNY Canton, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, or Rochester Institute of Technology. When Global Foundries offered him a position, he decided to dive into a career in engineering. After five years there, he took a job as a customer engineer at Applied Materials, where he performs corrective and preventive maintenance and troubleshoots machinery in his division.
“ECCA definitely gave me a leg up, not having a lot of debt, being fortunate enough to make a decent living,” he said. “As much as I wanted to go back to school, I find it more beneficial working in the industry. I want to eventually buy my own house; if I want to go on a trip or vacation, I can do that; and I can save money.”
When Albrecht looks back, he realizes he learned more than manufacturing. “ECCA helped me a lot, too, generating good speaking skills, writing skills, public speaking,” he said. “I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
New Career? No problem
For Kayleigh Maphis, her journey at Corning Community College started like many community college students.
Upon graduation from high school, Maphis enrolled at CCC to earn a degree and set a solid foundation for any future career. She studied business, and after graduation, headed off into the workforce.
However, after spending some time working, Maphis felt that there was something different she should be doing. A different career path that she hadn’t yet explored.
It was time to go back to CCC. A sense of community, open professors, and a variety of supports made the decision easy.
“I had great experiences with the professors. I feel that’s why I felt the need to come back here when I changed my mind and wanted to come back for my chemical technology degree.” – Kayleigh Maphis
Maphis returned to CCC, but to take on a completely different challenge from the business degree she earned in 2020. Maphis enrolled in the Chemical Technology A.A.S. program, as part of the Corning Inc. Technician Pipeline Program.
As part of the most recent cohort, Maphis dually worked on her degree while gaining hands-on experience at one of Corning Inc’s local plants.. Through the interconnected degree program and hands-on experience, Maphis gained invaluable skills that has allowed her to step directly into a career with Corning Inc upon graduation.
Moving forward, seamlessly
Just two weeks before commencement this spring, Victoria Akiki, spoke at the SUNY Orange Foundation’s Honoring Women in STEM Leadership Awards. She first shared a research project previously presented this Spring and then a personal story that ended with the attendees on their feet for a roaring standing ovation. As the wave of appreciation washed over her, Akiki appeared visibly moved.
“When she spoke, you could hear a pin drop, and when she finished, the audience rose and erupted into applause. It took so much courage for her to talk about her experience,” shared event organizer and Executive Director of the SUNY Orange Foundation, Dawn Ansbro.
Asked how the response made her feel, Akiki said, “I was so surprised and thought, ‘This is crazy,’ but I felt so supported and appreciated. School has been the constant in my life.”
Akiki’s speech included insight into the homelessness she and her family experienced that began when she was a high school freshman and continued as she attended three different high schools: Crestview High School in Crestview, Fla.; Clarence Center High School in Clarence, N.Y.; and finally, Cornwall Central High School in New Windsor. She doubted the opportunity to attend college would ever arise.
“I know I don’t present as someone who has been through the struggle of homelessness. It is more common than not, and I want to bring awareness to the stigma of not telling anyone. I probably would have received more help and resources if I had spoken up.” – Victoria Akiki
Seeking a student speaker for the event, Ansbro contacted Honors Program Coordinator, Professor Elaine Torda and learned Victoria’s family had some financial hardships and that she would likely view the request to speak as an honor. Not only did Akiki accept the invitation to speak, but she arrived at the event early and helped with set up.
“I’ve come a long way, not just academically, but also personally,” Akiki shared. “I know I don’t present as someone who has been through the struggle of homelessness. It is more common than not, and I want to bring awareness to the stigma of not telling anyone. I probably would have received more help and resources if I had spoken up.”
“In my senior year of high school, my guidance counselor, Gerri Smith, spoke with me about many opportunities, including the Honors Program at SUNY Orange and an automatic admissions event. I had a 94 average and received scholarships from St. Luke’s Montefiore, the President’s Scholarship, the James Ottaway Jr. Scholarship and enrolled,” Akiki explained.
During that first year at SUNY Orange, Akiki started as an English major before changing her focus to dentistry and the Biology Department. She was inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for students at two-year colleges and universities; became a member of the Honors Program, and joined the Biology Club. Later, she became a member of the CSTEP program, a grant-funded opportunity program that provides academic services to underrepresented minorities and economically disadvantaged students studying in STEM fields and those that lead to New York State licensed professions. For the Honors Program, she is an Advisory Board Member and student recruiter.
This past April, she presented “Dental Therapists: Advancing Oral Healthcare Access in Underserved Communities,” at the Northeast Regional Honors Council event in Albany. She explained the role of dental therapists in the United States and whether they will lead to a future of increased quality oral healthcare access in vulnerable groups.
“This was a rewarding and memorable event,” she stated. “So much work and effort went into the research. Over 60 people attended, and that (public speaking) was a skill I developed through SUNY Orange and the Honors Program. I was extremely shy when I started classes, and Honors is discussion-based, so it helped me in many ways.”
Akiki was recognized at the SUNY Orange Convocation Ceremony by the Honors Program, the Biology Club and received the Helen K. and George R. (Bucky) Bartlett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
As for her future plans, she explained, ‘I will be recruiting for the Honors Program this summer before I leave for the University of Buffalo. My long-term goal is to specialize in oral surgery.”
Victoria’s dream of higher education became a reality at SUNY Orange. Her story isn’t yet written, however, as she takes the next step in her journey towards bringing dental care to underserved communities this fall. With a seamless transfer to the University at Buffalo, Akiki’s outstanding achievements at SUNY Orange will propel her towards her next degree and the bright future in front of her.
Life after service
Growing up on Long Island, Joseph Gonzalez wasn’t sure where life was going to take him. Pursuing higher education didn’t seem like it was in the cards. The military however, offered a path forward.
“I saw myself pushing and collecting shopping carts at Best Market on Udall Road in West Islip, that was my job,” said Gonzalez. “The military was my way out.”
After high school, Gonzalez served in the Marine Corps until 2008. Promptly after his service, Gonzalez enlisted in the United States Army, traveled the globe and served in Iraq. While his service in the military was fulfilling, he still felt like there was more for him to do.
“Once I completed my time [in the military], COVID-19 happened. I realized, ‘there’s still more left in me.’ I wanted to pursue an education, and Suffolk County Community College gave me that opportunity.” – Joseph Gonzalez
Enter Suffolk County Community College.
Coming into SCCC with just a GED, Gonzalez threw himself into his studies and ingrained himself as part of the campus community. He held key student leadership positions including PTK Chapter President, President of Student Veterans of America, Honors Club President, and History Club Vice President.
His list of accomplishments throughout his time at Suffolk could fill a book. From being named to the All-USA Academic Team, earning the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, to being named New York State’s 2024 New Century Transfer Scholar, his hard work and dedication created an incredible path forward in his pursuit of higher education.
Gonzalez credits SCCC for getting him where he is today, preparing to study history at Columbia University. With a wide variety of support for students across campus and the dedicated resources to military-affiliated students in the Veterans Resource Center, SCCC created an environment for Gonzalez to thrive. As for what’s next, he’s sticking with history, with the goal of one day becoming a professor. Thanks to his start at SCCC, that dream is tantalizingly close to becoming a reality.
