Cayuga Community College President Dr. Brian Durant praised Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State agenda for committing to sustained and expanded funding for the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) programs. These initiatives, widely recognized for boosting student completion rates and narrowing opportunity gaps, have shown transformative results since their expansion to the SUNY system.
ASAP, which supports associate degree students, and ACE, focused on bachelor’s degree students, were introduced at Cayuga in Spring 2024. The programs provide students with comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support, including resources for textbooks, groceries, transportation, and career development. As of Fall 2024, 140 Cayuga students and over 4,200 SUNY students across 25 campuses are benefiting from the initiative.
“ASAP has been a resounding success at Cayuga,” said Dr. Durant. “Governor Hochul’s continued support ensures this vital program will grow, helping more students achieve academic and lifelong success.”
Governor Hochul’s agenda aims to expand the ASAP|ACE programs statewide to reach 10,000 SUNY students, building on the success funded by the SUNY Transformation Fund. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. highlighted the impact of the initiative, noting that Spring 2024 ASAP students achieved 20% higher credit completion rates than non-participants, while ACE students outperformed their peers by 9%.
The program’s success is also reflected in improved retention rates and increased academic momentum. Cayuga ASAP student Mary Trapasso-Ayers, who returned to school at age 63, credited the program’s staff for her positive experience. “The support and encouragement I’ve received have been invaluable,” she said, thanking Cayuga ASAP Director Carmela Barbagallo and Coach Jayna Betancourt for their guidance.
With continued funding, Cayuga and other SUNY campuses are poised to expand these proven investments, ensuring greater access to education and the tools students need to succeed.
For more information about the ASAP|ACE programs, visit www.suny.edu/asap-ace.
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