State Investment Propels JCC’s ASAP Program, Strengthening Support for Student Success

On November 8, 2024, Jefferson Community College (JCC), along with officials from the State University of New York (SUNY), members of the Jefferson campus community, and state and local lawmakers, gathered to celebrate the expansion of the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program, highlighting the overwhelming participation in this national student success model designed to improve support, retention, and completion. Widely recognized for its effectiveness in increasing student completion rates and narrowing opportunity gaps, ASAP is a transformative two-year model funded through the $75 million SUNY Transformation Fund and NYS Legislature. This historic investment aims to enhance student access to quality, affordable higher education, further advancing SUNY's pillars of student success and upward mobility. 

College President Dr. Daniel Dupee, II, said, “Student success is our top priority at Jefferson, and the ASAP program represents a powerful commitment to our students' academic journeys and personal growth. We are immensely grateful to New York State, The State University of New York, and our community partners for the support that makes this initiative possible, ensuring that each student has the resources and guidance needed to thrive and achieve their dreams. We’re proud to be part of a program that fosters resilience, closes opportunity gaps, and empowers students to graduate prepared for the future.” 

Assemblymember Scott Gray, District 116, said, “As a strong advocate for education, I am thrilled to see Jefferson expand the ASAP program, which improves graduation rates among a high-risk population, lessens the burden of college expenses, and allows student to focus on their studies, enabling them to complete their degrees on time. I commend Chancellor King’s leadership for investing in these initiatives, which represent an investment in the future of our communities and our students’ success.” 

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “Student success drives everything we do at SUNY, and we are committed to meeting students and their families where they are to ensure they thrive. SUNY takes pride in scaling ASAP and ACE as proven models for student success across our campuses and we look forward to continuing to invest in the next generation of SUNY graduates at Jefferson Community College and across the system.”

SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success Dr. Donna Linderman said, "At the heart of SUNY's mission is a deep commitment to student success, and programs like SUNY Jefferson ASAP are helping us realize that commitment in life-changing ways. I want to give a special thanks to our students - the ones here with us in the program today, and the ones who we hope to serve tomorrow as the program expands. We're so proud to serve you and so committed to your limitless potential. You're the reason we come to work every day."

JCC Coordinator of ASAP Korine Ingerson said, “SUNY Jefferson’s ASAP Program helps students overcome challenges and graduate on time, setting the stage for future success. With increased academic and financial support, these students are set up to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe.”

At the event, Jefferson’s ASAP students shared powerful stories of how the program transformed their educational paths, with Omara Youngs reflecting, “While additional money is always a plus for program benefits, ASAP goes beyond that call of duty. It’s equipped with a dedicated staff to provide academic coaching, tutoring, advice, and career support. If I find myself struggling with classes or the workload, I can reach out for one-on-one assistance and emotional support. I can discuss my future with people who choose to put me first.” Youngs, a mother of five, is pursuing a degree in healthcare management at Jefferson. She adds, “ASAP is helping me thrive in areas other than education. It really sets you up for success.”

Jefferson is one of 25 SUNY campuses statewide that opted in to the ASAP program and as of this fall will enroll 155 students to improve retention and graduation rates contributing to a total of 4,200 students participating in SUNY ASAP/ACE (Advancing Completion through Engagement) programs across 25 SUNY campuses. 

The Jefferson ASAP program is proudly supported by Key Bank N.A., helping to provide JCC students with the academic support and tutoring services they need to succeed.