Rockland Community College (RCC) is expanding its Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program from 150 to 300 students following strong early results showing high levels of student persistence and satisfaction.
The RCC ASAP program launched in 2024, providing students pursuing associate degrees with comprehensive support designed to address academic, financial and other barriers to college completion. Students receive personalized academic advisement, academic support and career development services, along with assistance with key costs such as textbooks, transportation and other expenses.
Among students enrolled in the RCC program, 90 percent persisted from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026, while participants reported an average program satisfaction score of 9.6 out of 10.
RCC marked the expansion today with an ASAP event bringing together students, college leadership, SUNY leadership, faculty, staff and community partners. The event celebrated the growth of SUNY ASAP at RCC while highlighting the students whose determination, resilience and academic momentum are at the heart of the program’s success.
“It is incredibly exciting to see SUNY ASAP continue to grow at Rockland Community College and to have the opportunity to expand this important work to even more students,” said Ian Pena, Director of SUNY ASAP at Rockland Community College. “We walk alongside our students as they gain academic momentum, overcome challenges and move closer to achieving their educational goals. This expansion represents a meaningful investment in our students and their ability to succeed.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and the continued expansion of the ASAP 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 also emphasized the importance of providing students with the support they need to succeed.
"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 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."
“Thank you! From the very beginning, the ASAP program gave me confidence, reassurance, and so much guidance,” said Irene Mattei, RCC ASAP alumna. “As an adult learner, feeling a sense of community was difficult, but the ASAP program helped to remove that barrier and provided me with the resources for any and all questions. I’m so grateful for ASAP!”
RCC’s expansion is part of a major statewide growth of ASAP and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) throughout the State University of New York system. Beginning in Fall 2026, the programs are expected to serve 10,000 students across 44 SUNY campuses statewide. The expansion is supported by an additional $8 million included in the FY 2026-27 Enacted State Budget, bringing New York State’s annual investment in the programs to $20 million.
The increase from 150 to 300 students will allow the College to extend the program’s comprehensive support to twice as many students while building on its early persistence and satisfaction results.
RCC ASAP at a Glance
To learn more about ASAP at Rockland Community College, visit sunyrockland.edu/services/asap/ or contact Ian Pena at ian.pena@sunyrockland.edu.
About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The College offers 35 degree and 3 certificate programs, supported by a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg. For more information about RCC, visit sunyrockland.edu.
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