We respectfully request that Erie Community College evaluate and restore evening or flexible nursing program options for students who cannot attend traditional daytime classes.
Many individuals pursuing nursing education today are adult learners returning to school to improve their careers and provide stability for their families. Programs such as New York State’s Reconnect initiative encourage adult learners to pursue higher education, but without evening or flexible nursing options, many students cannot realistically take advantage of these opportunities.
Adult learners often have significant responsibilities outside of school. Many are working full-time jobs, raising children, and supporting households. Unlike many traditional students who enter college directly after high school and may not yet have full financial responsibilities, adult learners must balance employment, family obligations, and education.
Requiring adult learners to attend full-time daytime nursing programs creates a barrier that prevents many qualified and motivated individuals from pursuing careers in nursing.
Many prospective students—including healthcare workers, nursing assistants, and Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to advance to Registered Nurse positions—cannot afford to leave their jobs in order to attend daytime classes.
We understand that nursing programs are facing a shortage of qualified instructors. After speaking with the Dean of Nursing, it was explained that the evening nursing program was discontinued due to lack of staff.
While we understand this challenge, it makes it even more important to explore flexible options that allow more students to participate.
Because flexible options are limited, many students are enrolling in private or online schools that offer evening programs. These schools are significantly more expensive, creating a major financial burden.
Many of these schools also do not accept programs like the New York State Reconnect initiative, which means students who depend on it cannot afford to attend and may be forced into debt or unable to continue their education at all.
Erie Community College promotes the motto “Start Here, Go Anywhere,” but without flexible options, many working students cannot start here at all.
Western New York is experiencing a nursing shortage, and expanding access to education would help address this issue.
I am a Licensed Practical Nurse of 15 years and a mother of five. I work 40 hours a week while managing my household. Attending a full-time daytime program would be nearly impossible, but I am determined to advance my education and career.
Reconnect has given me a second chance to improve my life and provide for my family. In today’s economy, advancing is necessary for financial stability.
We respectfully ask Erie Community College to consider restoring evening or flexible nursing options so that working adults like myself can succeed.