NCCC launches ASAP student graduation support program

Gathered together for the official launch of North Country Community College’s Advancing Success in Associate Program are, from left, NCCC ASAP Director Maureen Pellerin; Interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Jackie VanBrunt; ASAP student Nasya Jenkins of Saranac Lake; Jennifer Bashant, Director of ASAP/ACE at SUNY System Administration; and NCCC President Joe Keegan. — SARANAC LAKE | North Country Community College has announced the launch of the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program.

The initiative helps students gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time. Through $318,000 in new state funding, North Country will capitalize on this highly successful model that is proven to increase student completion rates and bridge opportunity gaps.

“Student success is at the heart of our mission at North Country, and ASAP gives us another powerful way to help students stay on track and reach their goal of earning a college degree,” said North Country Community College President Joe Keegan. “We’re grateful to Governor Hochul, the State Legislature and Chancellor King for investing in a proven model that provides students with the academic, financial and personal supports they need to overcome barriers, build momentum and succeed.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and the continued expansion of ASAP|ACE program will help participating students complete their degree on time, achieve their dreams, and move forward on a path to upward mobility. I am thrilled that through the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature these programs will serve 10,000 students across the state and serve as a model for other institutions to follow."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "Empowering students and ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed is at the core of what we do at SUNY. The expanded ASAP|ACE program will help ensure that 10,000 students across 44 campuses at SUNY are able to thrive in their courses, supported in their academic growth, and better prepared for life after graduation. We thank Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for their steadfast support of SUNY and our students."

Launched at SUNY in 2024, ASAP programs provide wraparound support to help boost retention rates and prepare students for in-demand careers in their communities. Eligible students have access to an array of resources 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, as well as academic assistance, comprehensive personalized advisement, and additional career development activities.

The addition of $8 million in new state funding delivered by Gov. Hochul and the State Legislature in this year's state budget brings total statewide investment in ASAP|ACE to $20 million annually. This will grow enrollment to an anticipated 10,000 students across 44 campuses statewide, a 10-campus increase, with 16 existing campuses also expanding the number of students they support. North Country Community College plans to enroll 150 students this fall.

“We know that our students bring tremendous potential to North Country, but we also know that challenges outside the classroom can sometimes make it difficult to stay focused on completing a degree,” said Jackie VanBrunt, Interim Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator and Chief Diversity Officer. “ASAP allows us to provide more individualized, consistent support — from dedicated advising and academic assistance to help with transportation, textbooks and other expenses — so students can keep moving forward toward graduation.”

To learn more about ASAP at North Country, visit www.nccc.edu/asap or contact ASASP Director Maureen Pellerin at maureen.pellerin@nccc.edu.

NCCC launches ASAP student graduation support program

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