New Program at Cayuga Community College Will Help Students Graduate ASAP

A new program at Cayuga Community College creates an enriched academic environment to guide promising students toward earning their associate degree as swiftly as possible.

Launched this spring, Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) offers motivated Cayuga students an array of academic, financial and personal support benefits. The diverse support options will help enrolled students earn their degree, enjoy their college experience and prepare for their next academic or career step.

“ASAP is an innovative program for gifted students who may need additional academic, career or financial support to achieve their goals and earn their degree from Cayuga,” said College President Dr. Brian Durant. “It not only offers them the one-on-one tutoring and coaching students may need, but also a support system of fellow students and employees dedicated to their success. I’m excited at the program’s rapid growth this semester and am confident it will continue to serve students well in the years ahead.”

Students enrolled in ASAP will benefit from services tailored to support their academic success. The program fosters a sense of community with opportunities for ASAP students to take courses together, which creates a social support system. Students also receive enhanced career development, personalized tutoring, a dedicated ASAP coach to guide their progress from enrollment to graduation, and a special registration option to access needed courses that fit their schedule.

Students also receive financial assistance with textbook purchases, cost of attendance fees and a monthly gift card to help with expenses such as food or gas. ASAP students with children are eligible for assistance with childcare costs through a grant offered by the Brightway Education Foundation. The grant focuses on supporting parents in their pursuit of education and offers an emergency fund to support students.

ASAP has already experienced rapid growth in its first semester at Cayuga, serving more than 30 students from 10 degree programs. The program is expanding its recruitment efforts ahead of the fall semester with room to add 125 new students.

“Students are enthused to connect with staff who can help them follow their path to a degree and support them during academic or personal challenges. ASAP removes the fear factor some students may experience by introducing students not only to the services at Cayuga, but the wonderful staff who provide those services,” said ASAP Director Carmela Barbagallo. “Students are connecting with each other, sharing their personal stories and realizing they’re not alone as they face the challenges of juggling work, school and their personal lives.”

To be eligible for ASAP, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. They also must reside in New York State, be Pell or TAP eligible, earned fewer than 21 college credits, and maintain certain academic standards at Cayuga.

To apply for ASAP, students must submit an admissions application to Cayuga, file their FAFSA and TAP applications, and accept Cayuga’s offer of admission while completing other admissions requirements. Once these steps are completed, students must reach out to the College’s ASAP office to indicate they’re interested in the program.

ASAP is now available at 25 two- and four-year SUNY institutions, and is based on the City University of New York Accelerated Study in Associate Programs.

For more details on ASAP at Cayuga, email Barbagallo at cbarbaga@cayuga-cc.edu or visit https://www.cayuga-cc.edu/students/services/asap/.