Chancellor John B. King Touts ACE/ASAP Success in Op-Ed
Appearing in USA Today, the piece hails the program’s expansion and its necessity.
Chancellor John B. King penned an op-ed running in USA Today touting the success and expansion of SUNY’s ASAP/ACE programs.
“More than two years ago, Gov. Kathy Hochul championed the SUNY Transformation Fund, which 25 SUNY campuses used to expand the nation’s leading evidence-based retention and completion model—known as ASAP|ACE,” writes King. “Advancing Success in Associate Pathways, or ASAP, targets students pursuing associate degrees at our community colleges, while Advancing Completion through Engagement, or ACE, targets baccalaureate students.”
ACE Purchase
Purchase was one of 11 four-year SUNY campuses to offer the ACE program in fall 2024 with 195 students enrolled in the initial cohort.
With the recent passage of the state budget, ACE Purchase will receive additional funds from the $12 million invested to expand the program across the SUNY system, allowing us to welcome 350 participants this fall.
Through the program, students receive dedicated academic advising, career support, financial aid, tutoring, and a sense of belonging through connection to the cohort, all critical to student success and wellbeing.
This past spring semester, 63% of participants at Purchase earned a 3.0 or higher.
ACE Purchase participant and rising sophomore Holly Hamilton enrolled here undeclared last fall and is now pursuing Journalism.
“The ACE program has made a huge impact on my college journey. It not only provided financial support but also helped me establish connections with people on campus who have become my closest friends,” says Hamilton.
“Forming one-on-one relationships with trusted advisors can especially help those who are the first generation in their families to pursue postsecondary education,” writes King.
Isaiah Tufuoh, ACE Purchase participant and rising sophomore agrees.
“I’ve built a wonderful relationship with my ACE advisor, who has helped me navigate some challenging situations. It’s incredibly reassuring to know I have such a dependable resource to turn to,” says Tufuoh.
The program shows incredible promise across SUNY.
“After one semester, participating students had taken and earned more credits and returned for the next semester at higher rates than similar students not involved in the program. …. ACE students pursuing bachelor’s degrees had a nine-percent higher credit completion rate than similar, non-ACE students,” writes King.
More Quotes from ACE Purchase Participants
“ACE has been the foundation of my success, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
—Chelsea Asemota, Biology, Senior
“As a transfer student, the ACE program helped in easing my transition and supporting my academic success. Planning classes and schedules for a new semester has never been easier!”
—Sinsha Varghese, Communications, Junior
“The Ace program at SUNY Purchase has made the intimidating journey of college seem achievable, no matter what background or circumstance.”
—Abel Garcia, Studio Composition, Freshman