Nearly 300 SUNY Canton Students Benefit from ASAP|ACE Programs

Canton, NY (11/06/2025) — The State University of New York's Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) have expanded significantly by serving more students across the state, including at SUNY Canton.

This semester, approximately 285 students have enrolled in either program at SUNY Canton, according to ASAP|ACE Director Kelsey Guerard.

"We've more than doubled our enrollment in the programs in about a year," she said. "Both programs offer high-impact academic and personal support, from advising and tutoring to financial aid for books, transportation and tuition costs."

Assemblymember Scott Gray met with SUNY Canton students and staff to discuss the expansion of the ASAP|ACE programs. He emphasized his legislative support for funding and growing these programs due to their strong success in retention and graduation rates. Gray also noted that SUNY Canton was a model institution because it was mission driven and produced career-ready graduates.

"I think education is a reset market," he said. "Whatever adversity you've faced up until now, this is a chance to hit reset and put yourself on a path for success. ASAP and ACE help ensure student success. The statistics support the growth of these programs and the fact that we should be supporting them."

Kacy Tripido, a 32-year-old returning student studying Funeral Services Administration from Pine Bush said her ACE advisor has helped her adjust to college after being in the workforce for 11 years, including outlining a plan for each semester until graduation.

"I have really enjoyed everything the ACE program has to offer," Tripido said. The stipends have been extremely helpful with college expenses and textbooks, and having someone to check in with when I need additional support is such a valuable resource."

SUNY-Wide, the ASAP|ACE programs have expanded to serve more than 7,000 students at 34 campuses.

"All students are welcomed at SUNY, and thanks to the successful ASAP|ACE expansion, our efforts to help SUNY students thrive academically and graduate on time have never been stronger," SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said. "With the strong support of Governor Kathy Hochul and our State Legislators, we have been able to invest in ASAP|ACE, which is a proven, evidence-based strategy to improve student retention and on-time degree completion. We will continue our efforts to support SUNY students and expand this successful program further so that more SUNY students and campuses can take advantage of ASAP|ACE."

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