LATEST CAYUGA NEWS

ASAP at Cayuga Celebrates Successful First Year, Inaugural Graduating Class
The Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program enjoyed increased enrollment and greater student success in its first full year at Cayuga Community College, and this spring celebrated its inaugural graduating class.
Since its first full semester at Cayuga, ASAP’s enrollment has steadily climbed as eligible students discovered the program’s extensive academic resources, financial support, and encouraging environment. ASAP and ACE, the four-year version of the program, are cornerstone SUNY initiatives that have increased student completion rates and enhanced student success.
In May, 22 ASAP students crossed the stage in Cayuga’s Commencement for the Class of 2025, the first program students to graduate.
“We are so proud of our first graduating class,” said Program Director Carmela Barbagallo. “This first group includes students joining us from high school, adult learners, and student-parents. They showed commitment and motivation, overcoming obstacles like food or housing insecurity, working full-time, mental health challenges and raising children. Many have plans to continue their education or have already obtained employment in their desired field.”
ASAP students in the graduating Class of 2025 made their mark at Cayuga, with Julia Wilson earning the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and Shaqueta Small earning a trip to Albany and inclusion in Chancellor John B. King Jr.’s State of the University Address. Small was also a Class Marshal at Cayuga’s Commencement.
“ASAP provided the structure and support I didn’t know I needed. From helping me stay on track with my credits to offering guidance and encouragement when things got tough, ASAP made me feel like I wasn’t alone,” said Small. “Having someone regularly check in, help me register early, and keep me focused on graduating was a blessing.”
Enrollment in ASAP has grown considerably since its inception at Cayuga. In the Spring 2024 semester — its first at Cayuga — the program welcomed 30 students. At the start of the Fall 2024 semester, that number grew to 140.
Class of 2025 ASAP graduates Danielle Mackey and Allison Clark encouraged current and future ASAP students to rely on Barbagallo and ASAP Coach Jayna Betancourt for help, and to lean on the program to help them build a connection to their classmates and the college.
“It helps you build a connection to the College. As an online student, there were times I felt disconnected before I joined ASAP. That changed when I became an ASAP student. Anything I needed help with, from setting up my classes to financial aid questions, this was the program that helped me,” said Clark. “It was the program that kept me in school, and I’m grateful that I had an opportunity to be a part of it.”
“Don’t be scared to reach out to Carmela and Jayna when you have an issue or question. Keep up with the workshops and the monthly coach meetings,” said Mackey. “This is such a great program, and they don’t want you to miss out on all the opportunities and resources it offers. They’re there for you and they want you to succeed.”
Barbagallo echoed Mackey and Clark, saying the program succeeds because of the interactions between students and staff.
“The program works by allowing staff to connect with each student, understand their strength and needs, and then coach them accordingly. Students feel more connected to campus by joining the events we plan, congregating in our designated ASAP offices on campus, and having a direct line of connection to our extensive tutoring and financial aid support services,” she said.
Now entering its fourth semester at Cayuga, ASAP provides wraparound support to reinforce academic success, student retention and graduation. Financial assistance includes funding for textbooks and a cost of attendance award, as well as support for childcare costs for student-parents through the Brightway Grant.
Academically, students receive a dedicated advisor to guide them from entry to graduation, distinct registration options to ensure courses fit their schedule, academic and career support services, and a supportive environment with their ASAP classmates.
Students must be enrolled full-time at Cayuga in one of 13 eligible degree programs to join ASAP. They also must apply for financial aid, have fewer than 21 college credits upon joining the program, be eligible for in-state tuition, and meet other criteria.
In June, SUNY announced that ASAP|ACE will expand to nine additional institutions for the Fall 2025 semester, increasing the total campuses with the program to 34. The program expansion and added student enrollment to more than 7,000 was supported with increased funding in New York State’s 2026 budget.
ASAP is actively recruiting for the fall semester at Cayuga. For more information about ASAP or to apply, visit https://www.cayuga-cc.edu/students/services/asap/.