Cayuga Announces Expansion of Highly Successful Student Retention & Graduation Support Program

ASAP Program Empowers Students with Financial, Academic & Personal Support to Boost Graduation Rates, Close Opportunity Gaps

FULTON — Cayuga Community College leaders announced today that its Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program has reached new enrollment levels since starting at Cayuga fewer than two years ago.

ASAP, which provides essential resources to help students gain and maintain academic momentum and graduate on time, expanded from 31 students in the inaugural Spring 2024 semester to serving 150 students this fall at Cayuga. College leaders pointed to the diverse services, dedicated staff, and students’ commitment as the cornerstones of the program’s success.

“Through its academic, financial and personal support services, ASAP has helped our students rapidly progress toward earning their degree. It also inspires students, builds confidence and the skills needed to succeed in any path they follow after college,” said Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant. “I greatly appreciate the support Governor Hochul and state leaders show for SUNY and the ASAP program, and the leadership of Chancellor King as these excellent support programs continue to expand to more of our SUNY partners.”

“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 Cayuga administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.

Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) supports students pursuing associate degrees, while Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) supports baccalaureate students. See here for more information: https://www.suny.edu/asap-ace/.

In the 2025-26 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul and state leaders allocated $12 million for SUNY to expand this initiative, which will help Cayuga 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 and on track to enrolling 10,000 students for Fall 2026.

Individualized supports delivered through ASAP are critical for students like Julie Crawford, who is graduating in the spring with a degree in Health Sciences and a concentration in Medical Imaging. ASAP has been an essential source of support since she returned to college earlier this year while also continuing to own and operate a business in the Syracuse area.

“Between the technological advances and the online learning options, everything was different at college now than when I attended before. But ASAP was exactly what I needed when I came back in January. I’ve contacted them about anything and everything. Without ASAP and their support, I never would have reached the point I’m at now, where I have almost a 4.0 GPA and am graduating this spring,” said Crawford.

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.

ASAP|ACE provides more than financial support. It also offers academic assistance, comprehensive personalized advisement, and career development activities to help students overcome barriers that can prevent them from earning a degree and accomplishing their goals.

To learn more about ASAP at Cayuga, visit www.cayuga-cc.edu/students/services/asap/.