College Prep Information - Fall 2026 Classes Begin September 21

College Prep offers FREE eight-week courses in reading, writing, and math for anyone interested in starting college or returning to college after an interruption in their educational journey.     

CIU is here for you if you are:         

  • Stable in your recovery
  • A recipient of SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid, or Section 8 benefits
  • Underemployed or identify as low income
  • Reentering the community after incarceration
  • Justice -impacted or court involved

   REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2026 CLASSES

Orientation begins Monday, September 21, 2026

To register or learn more, please contact Tara Morgan, CIU's Education Equity and Program Development Coordinator at 607-262-8920 or tcmorgan.oar.ciu@gmail.com.

Opportunities for Students

ReSET Technology Free Job Training - Now Accepting Applications
Finger Lakes ReUse is accepting applications for the next round of their free job training programs, ReSET Technology, starting in late October.

What is ReSET Technology?
ReSET Technology is designed to jumpstart your career path into the growing and lucrative IT field. The 10-week training helps you prepare for CompTIA A+ certification, often an important requirement for finding an entry-level IT position without a college degree. The program consists of a free10-week entry-level program, 16 hours per week. Those who successfully complete the 10-week training are invited to apply for a competitive full-time paid apprenticeship. Training is offered repeatedly throughout the year.

 
This program is generously supported by the Park Foundation, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, the Triad Foundation, and the United Way of Tompkins County.

Training is a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on computer refurbishment. Topics covered include:

  • Basic Hardware Components
  • Hardware Integration/PC Refurbish
  • Basic Operating System Fundamentals
  • Networking Basics
  • Security Basics
  • Customer Service
  • Guest Presenters Covering: Career Exploration, Resume Building, and Other Professional Presentations

Candidates may fill out our online application form through our website or schedule an appointment with Caren Castleman or Erin Fierst at (607) 257-9699 to complete an application in our offices at 214 Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York.

To learn more please contact our Workforce Coordinators, Caren Castleman (caren.castleman@fingerlakesreuse.org) or Erin Fierst (erin.fierst@fingerlakesreuse.org) or (607) 257-9699, or visit us online http://ithacareuse.org/reset/

 
TC3 Noncredit Programs Available - Some Free!
TC3 is offering three non-credit programs this fall where students can build practical skills and earn in-demand certifications for a new role, and two of them are FREE to attend!
 
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate
Learn the core skills to guide, mentor, and support people seeking or maintaining recovery from addiction. Topics include recovery planning, relationship building, communication, ethical decision-making, healthy boundaries, and recognizing ethical challenges. Graduates will be prepared to support clients in treatment centers, community organizations, emergency departments, and justice settings.
 
Schedule: Fridays, Aug 28 - Dec 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Live Online
Tuition: $1,125 (includes textbooks)
 
Enrollment Requirements:
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must live or work 51%+ of the time in NYS at time of application & testing
  • High School Diploma (or HS equivalency or higher education)
 
NYS Certification: This program is a NYCB-approved training specific to the Peer Recovery (PR) domains. In addition to training, successful completion of 500 hours of supervised volunteer or paid work experience specific to the PR domains, 25 hours of mentoring/supervision specific to the PR domains, and a passing score on the IC&RC Peer Recovery (PR) Examination are required for certification.
 
 
FREE! Energy & Carbon Management Program (ECMR)
Gain foundational skills in building science and systems engineering with a focus on energy analysis and retrofits in this FREE training program. Learn building construction, thermal calculations, and energy auditing, along with the fundamentals of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems and energy-efficient equipment operation. Develop practical skills in field measurements, system schematics, and technical writing. By the end of the course, you'll be prepared to support energy audits, weatherization, building upgrades, and decarbonization projects, with skills for entry-level careers in building performance, energy efficiency, weatherization, and HVAC.
 
Schedule: Mon & Tues, Aug 24, 2026 - Feb 17, 2027 at the TC3 Campus
Tuition: FREE, plus stipends available for successful course completion
 
Professional Certification: Upon program completion, students earn the CUNY BPL Energy Technician Certificate and Building Performance Institute’s Building Science Principles (BSP) Certificate.
 
 
FREE! Semiconductor Fabrication Bootcamp
Prepare for an entry-level technician role in the rapidly growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries with this FREE five-week semiconductor boot camp! Grow your knowledge and learn practical skills in hand and electrical tools, pneumatics and motors, vacuum systems, electricity and circuits, and programmable logic controllers. If you are someone with a strong interest in mechanical or electromechanical systems and are committed to developing the skills needed to begin a career as a manufacturing technician, this program is for you!
 
Schedule: Mon & Wed, Oct 5 - Nov 4 at the TC3 Campus
Tuition: FREE
 
Enrollment Requirements:
  • At least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be authorized to work in the US
  • Basic knowledge of common hand tools (e.g., hex keys, wrenches, torque tools, screwdrivers), common measuring tools, and Microsoft Office tools (e.g. Wor
Apply for Tompkins Build
Do you enjoy working outdoors, with your hands, and on a team? The construction trades might be the right fit for you!
 
Kickstart your career in construction in 2026 with Tompkins Build - Pathways to Apprenticeship.
 
Interested in applying? Sign up for an information session at this link by Wednesday, August 19th!
 
This 11-week paid program provides classroom and hands-on training to prepare you for a union apprenticeship and career in commercial construction. Run in collaboration with the Tompkins-Cortland Building and Construction Trades Council, students learn from industry professionals and connect directly with local construction trade unions.
 
Applications open: Now through August 19th
Interviews & Assessments: August 24th - September 3rd 
Program Dates: September 21st - December 3rd

Program Eligibility

  • At least 18 years or older
  • Authorized to work in the USA
  • Demonstrate a minimum of 9th grade reading & math comprehension
  • Be committed to pursuing a career in construction trades
  • Be ready to commit to a multi-year, paid apprenticeship program with a union (after completing the program)
  • Reliable transportation to attend evening training sessions & field trips*

Program Details

  • Duration: 11 weeks
  • Schedule: Monday - Thursday 3:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Location: W State St. Ithaca, NY
  • Paid Training: minimum wage
  • Classroom Setting: in-person

*If transportation is a concern, we may be able to connect you with resources

 

____

Worried about the academic assessment for Tompkins Build?

Join Ithaca Area Economic Development and Tompkins Learning Partners for “Get Ready to Build”, a Math & Reading Skills Workshop for the Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship Program!

Time/Date: Tuesday, August 4th, 3-5pm

Location: Ithaca Area Economic Development building (119 E Seneca St., Floor 2 Accessible by stairs or elevator–directly next to the bank. Look for signage on the doors and email us if you need extra directions).

To Register: Complete this survey

Looking for a new career path in the trades? Feeling nervous about what math or reading skills you might need to brush up on as you apply for the Tompkins Build program? Tompkins Learning Partners and Ithaca Area Economic Development are partnering to prepare you! Come to this 2 hour workshop to get an overview of the reading and math skills needed to succeed in the Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship program, how to prepare for the initial Tompkins Build pre-program assessment, and more. 

Specifics:

  • Overview of Tompkins Build program

  • Tompkins Build Pre-assessment: what does it cover? How long does it take?

  • Reading comprehension and math skills that are needed for the Tompkins Build Program

  • Specific math practice problems

  • Reading skills overview

  • Tools/resources for extra support before and during the program

Come with a smartphone if possible (if you don’t have access to one, no worries). Snacks and drinks will be available. For questions or more information, email Mira Kuroyedov at mirak@ithacaareaed.org or Zoe Economos at ABE@tlpartners.org.

NEW! Manufacturing Training Program
IAED is proud to be supporting Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and the Manufacturer's Talent Institute to pilot an Advance 2 Apprenticeship® program powered by Direct to Work. 

Program Details:

  • Program dates: Aug 17, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026
  • Schedule: Monday - Thursday 1:00pm - 5:00pm
  • Location: TC3 Main Campus (170 North St. Dryden, NY 13053)
  • Interested? Learn more or apply at this link.
  • Attend an optional information session at the TCPL BorgWarner East Room on July 28th at 3:00pm (hybrid option available if you register here)
  • Applications due by August 3

Advance 2 Apprenticeship is a part-time direct-entry pre-apprenticeship training program designed to prepare you for a career in advanced manufacturing. Participants receive classroom and hands-on learning, have the opportunity to visit and interview with participating employers, and take the nationally-recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam.

The program will partner with employers in both Tompkins and Cortland counties, including Byrne Dairy who are expanding their Cortland manufacturing facility. 

Support is available for transportation and childcare barriers and you can earn up to $1,250 in stipends for reaching program milestones.

More information is available on IAED's website: https://ithacaareaed.org/direct-to-work/

Get Ready to Build Workshop - Math and Reading Skills for Tompkins Build

Join Ithaca Area Economic Development and Tompkins Learning Partners for “Get Ready to Build”, a Math & Reading Skills Workshop for the Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship Program!

 

Time/Date: Tuesday, August 4th, 3-5pm

Location: Ithaca Area Economic Development building (119 E Seneca St., Floor 2 Accessible by stairs or elevator–directly next to the bank. Look for signage on the doors and email us if you need extra directions).

To Register: Complete this survey

 

Looking for a new career path in the trades? Feeling nervous about what math or reading skills you might need to brush up on as you apply for the Tompkins Build program? Tompkins Learning Partners and Ithaca Area Economic Development are partnering to prepare you! Come to this 2 hour workshop to get an overview of the reading and math skills needed to succeed in the Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship program, how to prepare for the initial Tompkins Build pre-program assessment, and more. 

 

Specifics:

  • Overview of Tompkins Build program

  • Tompkins Build Pre-assessment: what does it cover? How long does it take?

  • Reading comprehension and math skills that are needed for the Tompkins Build Program

  • Specific math practice problems

  • Reading skills overview

  • Tools/resources for extra support before and during the program

 

Come with a smartphone if possible (if you don’t have access to one, no worries). Snacks and drinks will be available. For questions or more information, email Mira Kuroyedov at mirak@ithacaareaed.org or Zoe Economos at ABE@tlpartners.org.

Energy Warriors Paid Job Training

Energy Warriors is accepting applications for the next paid clean energy job training program running March 30-June 18. This training is designed to support individuals entering the green jobs economy. No prior training is necessary!

Participants earn up to $2,500 while completing an Environmental Literacy Pre-Apprenticeship and earning key industry certifications such as OSHA 10, Building Science Principles certification, and Boot Camp for Weatherization Installers. Following the 12 weeks, interested trainees may be able to pursue advanced industry certifications (e.g. heat pump installation) at no cost.

Training takes place in Ithaca, 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Applications are now open and will be accepted until March 13. Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis. Spaces are limited, so apply now.To learn more about the Energy Warriors program, visit Energy-Warriors.org. If you need support with transportation or childcare to attend this training, please reach out to us at EnergyWarriors@cornell.edu.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Program

This brand-new program is being offered for the first time in our region through a partnership with TST BOCES and Ancora Training.

THIS 4-WEEK INTENSIVE CDL COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO:

- Are ready to begin a career operating Class A commercial vehicles.
- Want to complete comprehensive CDL training—including vehicle inspections, range maneuvers, and cargo handling—in just 4 weeks.
- Are interested in high-demand job opportunities in logistics, transportation, and delivery services.
- Want a short-term, hands-on program that prepares them for immediate employment.

New class starts every 4 weeks: 

Next round Starts: February 2, 2026
Schedule: Monday through Thursday
7:00am – 5:30pm
Length: 4 weeks

Weekend classes also available
Next round starts: February 21, 2026
Schedule: Saturdays & Sundays

7:00am to 5:30pm
Length: 8 weeks

COST:
$5,000
Workforce NY Eligible

Location:

Tompkins Cortland Community College
170 North Street
Dryden, NY 13053

To learn more of register, please visit the training web site.

Job Interview/Business Clothing for Men & Women

Jennifer’s Closet is a professional clothing resource located at the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce in Ithaca, NY. Established by former Chamber CEO Jennifer Tavares, the closet is designed to support job seekers who need business‑professional attire for interviews.

The closet is open to the public during Chamber hours, and you do not need to be a Chamber member to use it—everyone is welcome. Individuals who are unable to purchase interview clothing may select as many items as they need, at no cost.

Jennifer’s Closet offers a range of men’s and women’s professional attire, including clothing, shoes, and accessories, all geared toward helping job seekers present themselves confidently.

Location:
124 Brindley St
Ithaca, NY 14850

Free Job Training - ReSET Technology

Finger Lakes ReUse is accepting applications for the next round of their free job training programs, ReSET Technology, starting in March 2026.

What is ReSET Technology?
ReSET Technology is designed to jumpstart your career path into the growing and lucrative IT field. The 10-week training helps you prepare for CompTIA A+ certification, often an important requirement for finding an entry-level IT position without a college degree. The program consists of an unpaid 10-week entry-level program, 16 hours per week, with scholarships available based on financial need. Those who successfully complete the 10-week training are invited to apply for a competitive 15-week full time paid apprenticeship. Training is offered repeatedly throughout the year.

This program is generously supported by the Park Foundation, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, the Triad Foundation, and the United Way of Tompkins County.

Training is a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on computer refurbishment. Topics covered include:

  • Basic Hardware Components
  • Hardware Integration/PC Refurbish.
  • Basic Operating System Fundamentals.
  • Office Software Docs/Spreadsheets/Presentations
  • Network Hardware Basics
  • Network Software Basics
  • Security Basics
  • Powerful Web Services/Productivity Tools/Code
  • Customer Service
  • Resume Building/Ticketing System/IT Business

Candidates may fill out the online application form through their website or schedule an appointment with Caren Castleman or Erin Fierst at (607) 257-9699 to complete an application in their offices at 214 Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York.

To learn more please contact Workforce Coordinators, Caren Castleman (caren.castleman@fingerlakesreuse.org) or Erin Fierst (erin.fierst@fingerlakesreuse.org) or (607) 257-9699, or visit them online.

Training for NYS Certifications

Office of New York State Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Provides training and exams offered throughout New York State. Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). For information about the Exam prep and training Visit the OASAS website. Training takes place from November 4 to November 6, 2025, and attendance required on all dates. For information about training objectives, credits, and trainers, visit the OASAS website. Click here if you would like to enroll.

TC3 Scholarships

Did you know that TC3 has a scholarship program for students with a maximum award of up to $7,000 for full time students, and up to $875 for part time students? The Pathways Scholarship Application is available for spring and fall semesters. CIU is here to help you with the application process- just give us a call or send an email!

Excelsior Statewide Scholarship

This NYS based scholarship is designed for students whose families earn less than $125,000! This allows you to attend a SUNY or CUNY college for free for up to 5 years!!! Read more about the EXCELSIOR SCHOLARSHIP program from the Higher Education Services Corporation!

Fastweb

Fastweb is an online database for finding legitimate scholarships for students. Some scholarships do not require essays! Check the list often because it’s always updated with new opportunities and deadlines. You need to sign up to receive notifications and get information about the scholarships. It’s well worth it! Click HERE to join for free!

The Caring Gene Grant

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare and related fields, this is the GRANT for you! Caring Gene offers opportunities to further your studies in healthcare and related fields such as Licensed Practical Nurse, RN, Respiratory Therapist, Certified Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and so much more. The Caring Gene website will show you the four simple steps to getting there.

Congratulations to our 2025 College Prep Graduates!

Spring 2025 graduates
Spring 2025 Graduates
Fall 2025 Graduates
Fall 2025 Graduates

Delinquent Student Loans Information

The Department of Education collections on defaulted federal student loans have been paused since 2020. Collections are resuming now, and if you are not sure about your status, check studentaid.gov. While you’re there, learn about the rehabilitation and consolidation options that might be just right for you. You can get more detailed information about what’s happening now at the US Dept. of Education website.