Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County Community College has expressed its support for Governor Kathy Hochul's 2025 State of the State agenda, which pledges ongoing state funding to sustain and expand the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) programs. These initiatives are designed to improve student completion rates and reduce opportunity gaps.

Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, commended the governor's commitment. "Governor Hochul’s commitment to continuing the funding and expansion of ASAP and ACE will ensure that thousands of students at Suffolk County Community College and across SUNY have access to the support and resources they need to succeed. These programs provide the critical financial and academic assistance that helps students stay on track to graduation," he said.

The ASAP program supports students pursuing an associate degree, while ACE assists those in bachelor's degree programs. These were introduced into the SUNY system in Spring 2024 through the SUNY Transformation Fund. Currently, over 4,200 students participate in these programs across 25 SUNY campuses, including 160 at Suffolk County Community College.

The governor's agenda aims to extend these programs statewide, reaching 10,000 SUNY students. Since their introduction at Suffolk County Community College, these programs have shown immediate benefits with improved academic momentum and retention rates.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised the governor's initiative: “SUNY is committed to success for every student, and ASAP|ACE programs are the nation’s leading, evidence-based model for helping students stay on track to graduation,” he said. He also expressed gratitude towards Governor Hochul for her support in scaling this investment.

ASAP|ACE provides comprehensive support including academic assistance, personalized advisement, career development activities, and financial aid covering textbooks, groceries, transportation, among other costs. This aids Pell-eligible students in overcoming barriers that might hinder their academic goals.

In spring 2024 alone, ASAP participants had a credit completion rate 20% higher than non-participants; ACE participants had a 9% higher rate compared to their peers. Retention rates from spring to fall 2024 also favored ASAP|ACE participants over non-participants.

Students like Ashley Virgile from Haiti have benefited significantly from these programs. “From the moment school started, the ASAP program has been a tremendous support system for me," he shared about his experience at Suffolk’s Michael J. Grant Campus.

Similarly, Vanessa Fernandez from El Salvador highlighted how ASAP helped her as a student-parent by providing childcare options for her two-year-old son through financial aid from both ASAP and Brightway Education Foundation.

Suffolk County Community College remains dedicated to supporting its large student body through various degree programs while meeting regional employment demands.