LOCH SHELDRAKE — SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited SUNY Sullivan on Friday as part of his statewide SUNY Reconnect Tour, where he saw how the college is helping adult learners return to school and train for in-demand careers.

King toured the college’s Respiratory Care program and the SUNY Sullivan ATTAIN Lab, two programs that college officials say are helping residents take the next step toward education and employment.

SUNY Reconnect, which began at the start of the Fall 2025 semester, provides free tuition, fees, books and supplies for eligible New York adults ages 25 to 55 who do not already have a college degree and are pursuing an associate degree in a high-demand field.

“SUNY Reconnect is giving more adult learners throughout New York State the opportunity to achieve upward mobility and success,” said King. “Through access to a high-quality, engaging education, campuses like SUNY Sullivan are providing students with life-changing opportunities.”

During his visit, King stopped at the ATTAIN Lab, which offers free computer access, high-speed internet, digital literacy training, GED preparation and career-readiness support for residents.

The lab is open to the community and is meant to help adults who may need basic computer skills or a high school equivalency diploma before moving on to college or the workforce.

“My job as I see it is to bring the community to the college,” Lori Boyd, coordinator of the SUNY Sullivan ATTAIN Lab, previously told the Democrat.

The lab has operated in Sullivan County for about 16 years and was previously located in Monticello before moving to the SUNY Sullivan campus. SUNY Sullivan was also the first community college in the state to host an ATTAIN Lab.

Boyd said the lab helps connect residents directly to college programs, job training and other opportunities.

For many adults, the ATTAIN Lab can be a first step. A resident may come in for GED preparation, help with technology or support building workplace skills. From there, the path can lead to college enrollment through programs such as SUNY Reconnect or the Sullivan County Promise Scholarship.

SUNY Sullivan President David Potash said SUNY Reconnect has helped change the conversation around college in Sullivan County.

“SUNY Reconnect has changed the conversation about who college is for in Sullivan County,” Potash said. “The answer is everyone. Adults who had given up on the idea of a degree are enrolling, succeeding, and building better futures for themselves and their families.”

Potash said the program is one of the most important things happening at the college and has the potential to help improve educational attainment and workforce capacity in the county.

State Senator Peter Oberacker said SUNY Reconnect is helping open doors for adult learners across the region.

“SUNY Reconnect is a game-changer for adult learners across our region, opening doors that were once out of reach,” Oberacker said. “Programs like SUNY Sullivan’s Respiratory Care track and the ATTAIN Lab are meeting people where they are; providing the skills, support, and second chances that lead directly to good-paying, in-demand careers.”

Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz said the program can help address the county’s need for healthcare workers.

“Sullivan County has a healthcare workforce shortage, and SUNY Reconnect is one of the most direct tools we have to address it,” Rajsz said.

SUNY Sullivan offers several Reconnect-eligible programs, including Nursing, Respiratory Care, Medical Assisting, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Computer Support and Technology and Green Building Technology.

College officials said King’s visit underscored the role SUNY Sullivan continues to play in expanding access to higher education and workforce training in Sullivan County.