Rockland Community College (RCC) is expanding its participation in the State University of New York’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program, doubling enrollment from 150 to 300 students as part of a statewide initiative aimed at improving student retention and on-time graduation.
The expansion is part of SUNY’s broader effort to grow the nationally recognized ASAP program across 44 campuses, where it is expected to serve 10,000 students by the fall 2026 semester. An additional $8 million included in New York’s FY2026-27 state budget increases the state’s annual investment in the program to $20 million.
The ASAP program provides students pursuing associate degrees with comprehensive academic and financial support, including assistance with textbooks, transportation, groceries, academic advising, tutoring, and career development services. The goal is to remove barriers that often prevent students from completing their degrees.
Since launching at RCC in the spring of 2024, the program has produced strong results. College officials say ASAP has maintained spring-to-fall persistence rates of 90% to 92%, with overall retention rates between 80% and 88%. Students in the program average 15 credits per semester, helping them stay on pace to graduate on time.
More than $400,000 in financial assistance has been distributed to participating students since the program began. This spring, 38 students graduated through ASAP, with another 24 expected to complete their degrees by the end of the summer semester.
“ASAP is helping students stay focused on their goals and make steady progress toward graduation,” said Dr. William Mullaney, President of Rockland Community College. “By expanding the program, we can extend proven academic and financial supports to more students, helping them overcome challenges, persist in their studies, and complete their degrees.”
Spring 2026 graduate Sonia Amezquita credited the program with helping her succeed.
“The RCC ASAP program helped me stay motivated and supported throughout college,” Amezquita said. “The advisors were always there when I needed guidance, and the assistance with transportation and other resources helped ease the challenges of being a student. Because of ASAP, I was able to stay focused on my goals and earn my degree.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the expansion reflects the university system’s commitment to student success.
“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 goals, and move forward on a path to upward mobility,” King said.
In addition to state funding, SUNY recently received a $2 million renewal commitment from Brightway to expand support for student parents who are primary caregivers. The funding will provide additional childcare assistance, emergency financial aid, year-round enrollment opportunities, expanded internship and employment pathways, and a pilot program to assist ASAP students transferring to SUNY four-year institutions.
