Suffolk County Community College’s (SCCC) Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) Program works throughout the Ammerman, Grant, and Eastern campuses to assist students with graduating in two to three years and continuing with their academic and career goals, therefore preparing them for overall success.
Ms. Sonya Lorrain, the ASAP academic advisor, helps students explore majors and careers; she assists them when selecting classes, based on what SCCC requires, while keeping in mind what transfer colleges and/or future employers are looking for students to complete. Ms. Lorrain also listens to students’ needs, helping them articulate and prepare for their lives to become successful throughout SCCC and beyond – even if that means referring students to other resources and services both on and off campus. Dr. Gerome Bell, the director of the ASAP Program, oversees the program while adhering to the guidelines placed by SUNY. He also meets with students, providing overall advisement and guidance as needed. Together, Ms. Lorrain and Dr. Bell discuss ways to “continuously meet the needs of students and develop additional ways of encouraging and supporting” them.
ASAP is currently recruiting a new cohort of students for the fall 2025 semester. To become a part of the ASAP Program, Ms. Lorrain shares that there are certain criteria to be met: students must qualify for in-county tuition rate, receive at least one dollar of Pell, attend SCCC full-time, enroll in any developmental courses in the first semester, and have completed less than 21 college-level credits. If such criteria are met, the student will either be recruited or can reach out to Ms. Lorrain or Dr. Bell themselves.
The ASAP Program helps students by giving them “consistent guidance and support that they may not otherwise receive, especially if they don’t seek it out on their own.” ASAP, supported by the New York State funded SUNY Transformation Fund, also provides financial incentives; students who are engaged in the program receive financial assistance towards tuition, books, and other expenses such as transportation and food. Further, students who are also parents may receive additional financial support towards childcare and emergency expenses such as utility and medical bills.
Students benefit from being a part of the ASAP Program by having added opportunities to connect with a designated advisor, as well as making connections with students in their cohort. Many students who are motivated to continue each semester share that it is because of the relationships they make both in and out of the classroom. This can be a critical factor in finishing their degree and transferring to their next institution or entering a new career.
“Through conversation and encouragement, students are often pleasantly surprised as to how quickly and seamlessly they can complete their degree,” said Ms. Sonya Lorrain. Please call 631-451-4311, or email [email protected] to get started.
