Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College have announced a partnership to launch the Sharks and Seawolves at Stony Brook Southampton initiative. The program, which begins on January 26, 2026, will offer select courses from both institutions at the Stony Brook Southampton campus.
The initiative aims to create educational and career pathways for students and residents of Long Island’s East End. It is a collaboration between Stony Brook Southampton, Suffolk’s Eastern Campus, and Hampton Bays Union Free School District. The program allows high school students, current college students, and adult learners to earn transferable college credits locally.
Suffolk County Community College faculty from the Eastern Campus will teach several courses, while Stony Brook Southampton faculty will also offer a course as part of the pilot program. Students from Hampton Bays High School are among those eligible to participate, with other East End high school students able to apply as well. Participants can enroll in one to three courses offered through the initiative.
Wendy Pearson, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of Stony Brook Southampton, said: “We envision this program as a powerful bridge for East End learners, from our local high schools to Suffolk County Community College and onward to Stony Brook University, the flagship of the State University of New York and the state’s number one public research university. Our goal is to retain and cultivate the well-educated talent emerging from our East End communities, students who can build meaningful careers, strengthen the regional workforce, and contribute to the future of Long Island.”
Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, commented: “We see this partnership as an exciting new pathway for East End students to begin their college journey with the full support of Suffolk County Community College and Stony Brook University. By bringing high-quality, affordable courses directly to the Southampton campus, we are helping students stay connected to their communities, explore academic and career possibilities, and build the strong foundation they need for future success.”
Dr. Mary Reese, Executive Dean and Chief Operating Officer at Suffolk County Community College’s Eastern Campus stated: “By connecting learners to the region’s premier public institutions, the initiative supports workforce development, community vitality, and long-term talent retention on the East End.”
Lars Clemensen, Superintendent for Schools at Hampton Bays Union Free School District added: “For us, this early college programming is more than giving students access to the rigor of college level coursework. It is about exposing high school students to the college campus experience – the development of self-advocacy and enterprise, certainly a cost-savings, and a true exposure to what post-secondary life is like.”
Kurt Bretsch PhD., Advanced Senior Lecturer and Faculty Director for Semester by the Sea program said: “Along with our existing that are open to college and high students, this new Stony Brook Southampton course will further strengthen connections with East End schools. While learning about culturally and ecologically important marine organisms of our region, participants will also be introduced to the many future opportunities for involvement in coursework, research, and internships with our marine science faculty and partner organizations on the East End.”
Stony Brook Southampton hosts various programs including graduate offerings in health professions as well as arts initiatives such as its writers conference. Stony Brook University serves over 27,000 students across undergraduate through professional levels within New York’s SUNY system.
Suffolk County Community College remains SUNY’s largest community college by enrollment with more than 26,000 students participating in over 100 degree or certificate programs.
