Suffern, NY, October 9, 2024 — Rockland Community College (RCC) today celebrated the success and expansion of the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program, a transformative initiative designed to boost student retention, completion rates, and narrow opportunity gaps. Joined by state and local lawmakers, students, and SUNY officials, RCC leaders highlighted the benefits of this two-year model, which has proven effective in supporting students through financial, academic, and personal resources.
“We are thrilled to bring the ASAP program to Rockland Community College as a vital component of our commitment to student success and retention,” said Beth A. Coyle, RCC Officer in Charge. “The resources provided by ASAP will empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, ultimately driving economic growth and industry development in the region.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. echoed this sentiment, stating, “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 Rockland Community College and across the system.”
RCC is one of 25 SUNY campuses that has adopted the ASAP|ACE program. As of this fall, 150 students are enrolled in the program, which aims to improve graduation rates through comprehensive support. ASAP|ACE provides an array of services, including financial assistance for textbooks, groceries, transportation, personalized academic advisement, and career development activities. These resources help Pell-eligible students overcome barriers that often prevent them from achieving their educational goals.
The expansion of ASAP|ACE to the SUNY system began in Spring 2024, fueled by support from Governor Hochul’s $75 million SUNY Transformation Fund and supplemented by private grants. By Fall 2024, the program will enroll 4,200 students across participating SUNY campuses.
ASAP|ACE has a track record of success since its launch at CUNY in 2007, having served over 100,000 students and significantly improving degree completion rates, especially for underrepresented groups. The program has been replicated at more than 20 colleges in seven states.
Current RCC ASAP student Natalia Benitez Levina expressed her excitement for the program, saying, “I am very happy for the program, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for it. Being part of it is truly special to me. Thank you for everything.”
For more information about the ASAP program at RCC, visit RCC ASAP Services or contact Ian Pena at ian.pena@sunyrockland.edu.