JCC Announces Expansion of Successful Student Retention & Graduation Support Program: ASAP

Expansion to Empower Students with Financial, Academic & Personal
Support to Boost Graduation Rates, Close Opportunity Gaps

Jefferson Community College (JCC) leaders announced the expansion of Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP)at a press event on Friday, September 26, 2025. This expansion will mean that more students at JCC will receive important resources to help students gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time.

At the event, JCC President Dr. Daniel Dupee stated, “At Jefferson, we remain deeply committed to the success of every student who walks through our doors. We strive to create opportunities, remove barriers, and empower students to reach their full potential.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and our expansion of the proven ASAP and ACE programs across our system ensures our students are on track to complete their degree on time and pursue their aspirations. I applaud Governor Hochul and state leaders for their continued support of SUNY, and I thank the Jefferson Community College administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.”

The Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) supports students pursuing associate degrees, while Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) supports baccalaureate students. Eligible students have access to a wide array of resources and support to help them overcome barriers that can prevent them from obtaining a degree. This includes funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation, and other costs of attendance, as well as comprehensive personalized advisement, academic support, and career development activities. For more information: https://www.suny.edu/asap-ace/.

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Gabrielle Thompson, stated “As we move into year two, Jefferson is excited to keep building on this strong foundation. We know that the work we do together with ASAP is changing lives and strengthening our community for the future.” Thompson welcomed current ASAP student Deb Beauregard, an adult learner who is pursuing a degree in nursing. Beauregard stated, “I just didn’t think it was possible for someone like me . . . the team here at JCC has given me so much hope, and for my children - they can see that I can do this and they can do whatever at whatever age they like. You hear about the stories of success of people who are older and go back to school and I thought, that’s for someone else, but the team here at JCC, specifically the ASAP program has helped me to see that it is possible.”

In the 2025-26 State Budget, Governor Hochul and state leaders allocated $12 million for SUNY to expand this initiative, which will help JCC to support more students as they pursue a degree to help them unleash their full potential. The significant investment by Governor Hochul and state leaders will help grow ASAP|ACE enrollment statewide to an anticipated 7,000 students this year, on track to enrolling 10,000 students for Fall 2026.

Dupee stated, “ASAP is about more than numbers; it’s about people. It’s about students who may have struggled to finish their degrees now having the resources and support to be successful, push through challenges, and reach goals they might not have thought possible.

Through this program, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and more vibrant community.”

JCC officials reported that the program has grown in numbers from an initial cohort in 2024 of 32 students to 128 in Fall of 2025 and 291 for Spring semester 2026.