Kingsborough Community College Offers Tuition-Free Courses To Senior Citizens

Over 60 years old and never received the college degree you always dreamed of because you couldn’t afford it? Want to start a new career or obtain knowledge in a new field, but don’t possess the funds necessary for a college education? Take advantage of Kingsborough Community College’s “My Turn” Program!

“My Turn,” is a tuition-free college program which offers senior citizens the opportunity to join regular college classes, and enjoy KBCC’s beautiful campus in Manhattan Beach. The program offers over 400 classes in a broad range of fields, including art, fashion, literature, health, and business. Participants can also join other exciting events, to help enhance their educational experience.

“We also have trips, fundraisers and discussion groups,” said Dr. Barbara Ginsberg, who founded the program in 1981, in a press release. “In our discussions we talk about timely documents, politics and several mentoring programs.”

Fall and spring sessions are 12 weeks, while winter and summer sessions are six weeks. Daytime, evening and weekend classes are offered.

When the program began, it only accommodated 70 students. Now, more than 2,000 Students participate in the program every year.

The program also benefits the younger students enrolled in the college, for it gives them a chance to learn from and interact with the experienced.

“I think older adults in college is a good idea, because younger students look up to them,” said Ronald Rivera. Rivera is an alumni KBCC. While in college, he enrolled in several courses with participants of  the “My Turn,” program.

“My Turn,” is only opened to New York State residents. No educational prerequisites are necessary.

Interested in the program? Call the college’s “My Turn,” office at (718) 368-5079, or email myturn@kbcc.cuny.edu for a program application. Fall registration will open soon!

Correction (July 18, 2012): The original version of this article cited Canarsie Courier as the source of the information. In actuality, it was an unedited press release republished by the paper. We apologize for any confusion.