Educators, students, and elected officials were at Cayuga Community College’s Auburn Campus on Tuesday to celebrate the success of its Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program.
“This is a very proud moment, and one that we will not minimize, one that we will continue to celebrate,” said CCC President Dr Brian Durant.
Speakers included CCC President Dr. Brian Durant, SUNY Senior Vice President for Student Success Donna Linderman, State Senator Rachel May, State Assemblyman John Lemondes, CCC ASAP Director Carmela Barbagallo, ASAP student Katie Champaign, and Cayuga County Legislature Chair Aileen McNabb-Coleman.
The recently launched program seeks to help motivated students earn their associate degrees as quickly as possible. To achieve this, ASAP offers academic, financial, and personal support to students in the program.
“A program like this is so important so necessary and frankly overdue in our higher education system,” said Senator May.
Eligible students can receive financial support such as gift cards for food or gas or money to purchase textbooks. Other benefits include a dedicated coach for students from entry to graduation, special registration access, potential childcare scholarships, and a sense of community among ASAP students.
“After only two semesters, Cayuga Community College has positively impacted over 100 students through the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways Program. I was honored to be asked to celebrate with the leadership of the College and students participating in the program,” said Assemblyman Lemondes.
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in select majors, maintain full-time status, submit annual FAFSA and TAP applications, be Pell or TAP eligible, qualify for in-state tuition, and have fewer than 21 college credits.
Kati Champagne is a student enrolled in the ASAP program. With ASAP support, Champagne is earning a degree and eventually hopes to take over her grandfather’s business.
“I am very fortunate to be a part of this program. I don’t think that I would be here today in this program or in school today if it wasn’t for this program,” said Champagne.
Legislature Chair Aileen McNabb-Coleman, herself an alumna of CCC, shared her excitement for the students earning their degrees through the ASAP program.
“Your community is behind you. we’re so excited for you. there are places for you in this community,” said Chairwoman McNabb-Coleman.
The program is offered at both the college’s Auburn and Fulton campuses. Services are also available online.
140 CCC students are currently participating in the program. Cayuga is one of 25 SUNY Colleges fully participating in the ASAP program.
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