For Immediate Release
June 24, 2026

Suffolk County Community College Celebrates Expansion of SUNY's ASAP Program

Suffolk County Community College today announced the expansion of its Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program. Through this expansion, an additional 50 Suffolk County Community College students will gain access to comprehensive support services designed to help them stay on track, persist through challenges and graduate on time. The expansion brings total ASAP enrollment at Suffolk County Community College to 300 students.

The college is part of SUNY's systemwide expansion plan for ASAP and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE)—programs that are recognized as the nation's leading college retention and completion models. By fall 2026, the programs will serve 10,000 students across 44 SUNY campuses, helping students gain and maintain academic momentum while increasing graduation rates.

The expansion was made possible through an additional $8 million allocated in the FY2026-2027 New York State Budget, bringing the total annual state investment in the program to $20 million.

"The expansion of the ASAP program will help more Suffolk County Community College students stay on track, overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals," said Dr. Edward T. Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College. "We are grateful for SUNY's continued investment in proven strategies that support student success and degree completion."

"SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and the continued expansion of ASAP will help ensure our students can complete their degree on time, achieve their dreams and move forward on a path to upward mobility," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "I am thrilled that through the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, and for the SUNY Board of Trustees, these vital programs will serve 10,000 students across the state this fall and I thank the Suffolk County Community College administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success."

The ASAP program supports students pursuing associate degrees by providing a wide range of resources that help remove barriers to academic success. Eligible students receive comprehensive academic advising, career development support, tutoring, assistance with textbooks, transportation and other educational expenses, as well as personalized guidance throughout their college journey.

At Suffolk County Community College, ASAP has become an important component of the institution's student success strategy, helping students remain enrolled, earn credits consistently and complete their degrees more efficiently.

In addition to State investments, SUNY has received a $2 million renewal commitment from the Brightway Foundation, which will extend its support for additional student parents who are primary caregivers at seven community colleges with childcare costs, access to emergency cash assistance, and support for winter and summer course taking. The renewal commitment, which builds on an initial matched commitment of $1 million made to SUNY in 2023, will also expand personalized career guidance, strengthen connections to internships and employment opportunities, and pilot a new program supporting ASAP student parents transferring to SUNY baccalaureate campuses that offer ACE.  

Suffolk County Community College student Raelynn Hayes, a Business Administration major from East Marion, NY, said, "The ASAP program has been immensely helpful during my time at Suffolk. It's comforting to have guidance on not just academics but also knowing that there are resources available to provide the best possible college experience."

Kari Olenick, a Suffolk County Community College student majoring in Political Science from Selden, NY, also benefited from the individualized support delivered through ASAP, "As an adult who chose an unconventional path in returning to college after previous failed attempts, the ASAP program has been such a saving grace. It has made all the difference by having consistent support from my advisor, Lorraine, and being able to plan ahead for future endeavors with excitement. I am so grateful to have found this program”.

To learn more about ASAP at Suffolk County Community College, visit: www.sunysuffolk.edu/current-students/asap.jsp call 631-451-4311 or email ASAP@sunysuffolk.edu.

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately

145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school to college and into careers.