As we approach the end of the fall semester and the close of another year (hello, 2025), it’s always a good time to stop and reflect on things to be thankful for. At SUNY, we’re thankful for the opportunity to support our students as they pursue their dreams and reach their goals.
We know college can be hard. That’s why we’re continually working to find new ways to help our students succeed. Whether it’s exploring innovative programs, expanding mental health offerings, or providing paid service opportunities, SUNY is continuing to find more ways to ensure students not only cross the graduation stage, but thrive as they do so. Read on to learn about some of the supports available to students at SUNY.
SUNY ASAP|ACE
The first support we’re thankful for: SUNY ASAP|ACE. The program is designed to help students succeed by tackling academic, financial, and personal challenges that often get in the way of graduation. At 25 campuses across the state, the program supports both associate and bachelor’s degree students through its two branches: ASAP (Advancing Success in Associate Pathways) for associate degrees and ACE (Advancing Completion through Engagement) for bachelor’s degrees.
Students are connected with services like dedicated advising, financial assistance for books and transportation, and tailored course schedules. This structure helps students manage their academic responsibilities while easing financial strain, allowing them to focus on their studies. The program helps to ensure that students can graduate with the skills and confidence to thrive in their careers and communities.
“The ACE program has provided me with a strong sense of belonging on campus, one where I feel supported, heard, and valued.”
– Christopher Brito, student at Farmingdale State College
Students in ASAP|ACE aren’t just getting academic and financial support—they’re joining a community. Through a group of peers and mentors, students find a support system that helps them overcome obstacles together. By covering key needs and easing financial pressures, SUNY’s ASAP|ACE program opens doors for students to thrive and graduate ready to take on their next steps confidently.
Fighting food insecurity
It can be hard to focus on your studies as a student when you are worried about where your next meal will come from. That’s why SUNY is dedicated to supporting students facing food insecurity, ensuring that access to nutritious food doesn’t stand in the way of academic success.
All 64 campuses across the system feature a food pantry or stigma-free food access for students, all of which are free for students. Just recently, a pilot program brought five automated food lockers to campuses, allowing students to access nutritious foods on their schedule, not the campus pantry’s operating hours.
Across the system, we’re designing programs to reach students in ways that are accessible and respectful. That can necessitate some innovative thinking. At SUNY Empire, the student body is largely online. In order to meet the needs of its students, SUNY Empire launched a virtual food pantry. The pantry provides immediate relief but also connects students with ongoing support resources such as SNAP and local food pantries. Since its launch, the virtual pantry has seen a strong response, underscoring the essential role it plays in helping students. By fostering a supportive campus environment and prioritizing students’ basic needs, we’re helping students build healthy, balanced lives while achieving their academic goals.
Caring for your mental health
At SUNY, mental health is health. As college students continue to face rising mental health challenges, we’re continuing to work to expand and provide accessible, inclusive support systems across our campuses to help students thrive emotionally and academically. From 24/7 crisis support lines, to on-campus counseling centers, to telehealth services, students who need help have various options to find help if they need it.
One of the unique programs SUNY offers is the Middle Earth Peer Support Program, which empowers students to support each other through challenging times. Facilitated by trained student peers, provides a resource for students that are more comfortable talking with peers rather than a counselor. The program creates a space for students to discuss their struggles and seek advice from those who truly understand the college experience.
Supporting students’ mental health is an ongoing process. Across the system, campuses are putting critical funding secured by Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to use, expanding options available to students. SUNY Sullivan installed a Labyrinth to give students a new mindfulness pace. At North Country Community College, the campus is hiring a full-time clinical social worker. Finger Lakes Community College, is hiring a director of counseling to better support mental health services across campus. With continued investments, SUNY is building a campus culture where mental health is openly supported, helping students achieve personal well-being and academic success.
Access to child care for student-parents
We know that being a student and a parent is no easy feat. With over 40 child care centers on or near campuses, we’re working to provide student-parents with a safe, engaging place for their kids while they focus on classes or studying.
These centers offer flexible hours, financial aid for those who qualify, and an environment where kids can learn, play, and make friends. During the 2023-24 academic year alone, our child care centers offered 4,021 spots for children across 47 centers, serving close to 600 student parents. While our students pursue their dreams, their children can get the care and learning they need to grow.
We’re continuing to work to expand access to child care across the system. This fall, Jamestown Community College opened a new child care center. The space offers 50 spots during the school year and 100 during the summer. We know child care support is imperative for student parents to pursue their education. SUNY is continuing to offer a helping hand along the way.
Proud to be EOP
The Arthur O.Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) started more than 50 years ago with the goal of supporting students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. EOP helps students cover non-tuition costs (for things like books and housing) and provides students with tutoring resources, leadership opportunities, and a personal EOP Counselor for career and financial advisement. With a network of 85,000 proud alumni, EOP is a community that lasts a lifetime.
EOP doesn’t just stop at academic support—it opens opportunities to help students grow and build their careers. Students have the opportunity to pursue leadership opportunities like the EOP Ambassadors Program. Students develop leadership skills by helping with statewide EOP initiatives, all while getting paid! The EOP Pathways Career Program connects students with internships in their fields of interest, giving them real-world experience that looks great on a resume.
Interested in career-oriented learning opportunities? EOP has those as well. Since 2021, the Pre-Medical Opportunity Program has offered students the chance to pursue a career in health professions, all while receiving the full support of EOP. Pre-med isn’t the only path EOP offers. SUNY recently expanded the program to include Mental Health and Engineering Pre-Professional Programs, opening up even more possibilities for students to pursue their dreams.
