Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County Community College has announced the successful launch of SUNY’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program on its three campuses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to introduce the program at 25 SUNY-affiliated institutions across New York State. The program, inspired by the City University of New York's ASAP model, aims to improve student completion rates and reduce opportunity gaps.

SUNY’s ASAP programs began in spring 2024 with around 4,200 students participating. The program provides support services covering expenses such as textbooks and transportation, which can be barriers to full-time study. These services have shown positive effects on student retention and continuity.

At Suffolk County Community College, 160 students are currently enrolled in the ASAP program. Early data from the spring 2024 cohort show a retention rate of 91% for fall 2024, an average GPA of 3.11, and an average of 13.67 credits earned during the spring semester.

Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, emphasized the college's dedication to student success: “ASAP removes financial barriers, provides structured pathways to help students gain and maintain academic momentum, and creates connected communities through integrated supports and engagement activities - all in service of dramatically increasing timely completion rates for participating students.”

SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success Donna Linderman expressed gratitude towards students: "At the heart of SUNY's mission is a deep commitment to student success, and programs like ASAP and ACE are helping us realize that commitment in life-changing ways."

Two students shared their experiences with the ASAP program during the press conference. Ashley Virgile highlighted his advisor's support in navigating different programs: “From the moment school started, the ASAP program has been a tremendous support system for me." Vanessa Fernandez spoke about enrolling her son in campus childcare with assistance from ASAP: “If it wasn’t for the ASAP program, I wouldn’t have known where to look for help.”

For further details about Suffolk County Community College's ASAP program, interested individuals can visit their website.