Gov. Hochul Pledges to Continue Funding in Support of SUNY Degree Completion Program
SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi applauded New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s pledge to continue funding support for the Advancing Completion through Engagement program, which has a proven track record on student graduation outcomes.
“Gov. Hochul’s commitment to sustaining and expanding the ACE program demonstrates
her dedication to ensuring every SUNY student has the resources to thrive and succeed
academically,” Enyedi said. “At SUNY Plattsburgh, we have witnessed the transformative
impact of the ACE program on our students, helping them to stay on track to graduate,
overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.
“This support is an investment in the future of New York state, empowering students to build brighter, more equitable futures for themselves and their communities,” he said.
Hochul pledged in her 2025 State of the State agenda to deliver ongoing state funding
to sustain and expand both the ACE program at SUNY’s four-year campuses and the Advancing
Success in Associate Pathways for students earning an associate degree.
SUNY Plattsburgh received more than $900,000 from the state’s $75 million Transformation Fund in fall 2023 to be used over three years to replicate the successful program, modeled successfully by the City University of New York. SUNY Plattsburgh was one of 19 State University of New York campuses across the state to be awarded funding in 2023.
210 ACE Students at SUNY Plattsburgh
As of fall 2024, more than 4,200 students across SUNY campuses participate in ACE or ASAP programs, including 210 students at SUNY Plattsburgh.
Hochul’s agenda will make it possible to sustain the programs and expand them statewide to reach 10,000 SUNY students.
Since launching ACE on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, students here have felt immediate tangible benefits, with positive impacts on academic momentum, including higher credit-completion, increased retention rates and high levels of student engagement.
“SUNY is committed to success for every student, and ASAP/ACE programs are the nation’s
leading, evidence-based model for helping students stay on track to graduation,” said
SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. “We are grateful to Gov. Hochul for her commitment to
ASAP/ACE in the 2025 state agenda and look forward to working with the governor and
our champions in the legislature to continue to scale this proven investment in student
success.”
Completion Rates Higher
The ACE and ASAP programs provide wrap-around support for first-generation or Pell-eligible students who are not part of other student support programs such as the Educational Opportunity Program or Accessibility Resource Office. The ACE program here will ensure student academic success, retention and on-time graduation by providing academic assistance, personalized advisement, career development activities and funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation and other costs of attendance.
Across SUNY, ASAP students’ credit completion rates for spring 2024 were 20 percent higher than similar non-participants; ACE students saw nine percent higher credit completion rates compared to similar non-ACE students. Retention rates from spring to fall 2024 also outpaced those of non-participants.
‘Tremendous Part’ in Success
“ACE played a tremendous part in my success last semester,” said SUNY Plattsburgh biomedical science major and Brooklyn native Anny Nelzy. “I look forward to seeing what else I can accomplish with them in my corner.”
Student Amber Mitchell of Queens agreed.
“(ACE) provides invaluable studying resources, tips and access to books through the bookstore, which has been crucial for my academic success.
“Being part of a community that genuinely cares about my well-being and academic journey has been immensely supportive. The program not only enriches my learning experience but also fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement,” Mitchell said.
For more information on ASAP and ACE programs statewide, visit www.suny.edu/asap-ace.
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