TC3 celebrates arrival of ASAP program to campus

Tompkins Cortland Community College and SUNY officials and New York state legislative representatives convened in October to celebrate the arrival of the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program to the TC3 campus.

ASAP has been described as a “transformative” program “aimed at removing barriers to degree completion and increasing student success.”

TC3 was one of nine SUNY community colleges that added the ASAP program over the summer. The addition came after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the expansion of SUNY ASAP/ACE, which is “the nation’s leading evidence-based retention and completion model” in the spring.

According to a release, TC3 has more than 150 students in the ASAP program this semester.

“We are so grateful for the support of our elected officials, including Gov. Hochul, Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles,” TC3 President Amy Kremenek said. “I was so excited when it was announced that ASAP would be coming here. This program is a perfect fit for our campus, because it combines financial and wraparound supports, creating a connected community.”

According to preliminary data of the programs’ outcomes, ASAP/ACE partner campuses demonstrate that participating students have higher credit completion and persistence rates as opposed to students not involved with these programs.

ASAP students looking to acquire an associate degree have a higher credit completion rate than non-ASAP students, at 73% versus 60%.

For ASAP students who have a higher spring-to-fall persistence rate, the percentage is 80%, compared to 72% for non-ASAP students.

“At the heart of SUNY’s mission is a deep commitment to student success,” said Jennifer Bashant, SUNY University Director for ASAP. “Programs like ASAP embody that mission in a tangible way.”

Eligible TC3 students can receive a cost of attendance award, following the financial aid application process, along with assistance with transportation and textbooks.

“Bringing the SUNY Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program to TC3 is a game changer for students and families in our district,” Webb said. “This isn’t just about increasing graduation rates; it’s about removing the real, everyday barriers that prevent students from completing their degrees. ASAP gives students the tools they need to stay on track and succeed. I’m proud to support its expansion to TC3 and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have on our community.”

Two students spoke at last month’s ASAP event, and both shared their appreciation for the opportunities provided through the program.

“ASAP breaks down barriers to a student like me having success,” said Johnae Davis, a first-year student from Ithaca. “The 1-on-1 approach creates a more meaningful relationship with advisors, which makes a big difference for me.”

Chase Velasquez, an adult student who came from New York City to study at TC3, said, “At first, I was anxious about coming back to college. My first experience at college was ten years ago, and it didn’t go well, so I avoided college. When I heard about the sustainable farming program, something clicked. I am grateful for the financial support provided through ASAP, but the personal support means even more. Knowing there is someone who personally cares makes all the difference.”

For more information on the program, go to tompkinscortland.edu/asap.

“Community colleges inspire me so much,” Kelles said. “The ASAP program is so important, because it helps families that are consistently left behind. This is an investment that helps students, families, communities and the entire state.”

In brief:

Genre-based book club meets Nov. 13

Books & Brew, a genre-based book club, will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Hopshire Farm & Brewery at 1771 Dryden Rd. in the village of Freeville.

The theme for the month of November is “Biographies & Autobiographies.” Book suggestions are on display at Southworth Library in the village of Dryden.

For more information, go to southworthlibrary.org.

Book club to meet Nov. 18

Jennie’s Book Club is set to meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 18 for a discussion at the Southworth Library at 24 W. Main St. in the village of Dryden.

The book for this month is “The Overstory” by Richard Powers.

“This book follows nine Americans whose unique life experiences with trees bring them together to address the destruction of forests,” according to a description.

Upcoming meetings in Dryden

The Dryden Town Board is scheduled to meet on Nov. 13 and 20, each time at 6 p.m. at the Dryden Town Hall at 93 E. Main St. in Dryden. The public is invited to attend either in person or via Zoom.

For more information, contact the town hall at 607-564-9981. Meeting agendas are available at dryden.ny.us.

The Village of Dryden Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet in person at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Dryden Village Hall at 16 South St.

For more information, contact the village hall at 607-844-8122.

Upcoming Dryden BOE meeting

The Dryden Board of Education is scheduled to meet Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.

The meeting is at Cassavant Elementary School. The public is invited to attend. For more information, go to dryden.k12.ny.us.