June 16, 2026... State University of New York leaders today announced the expansion of the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE). This expansion means SUNY Old Westbury will double the number of students supported through ACE next fall to 300 students who will receive important resources to help them gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time.
SUNY Old Westbury is part of SUNY’s systemwide expansion of ACE and the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program at community colleges across the state — nationally leading college retention and completion models — that will serve 10,000 students at 44 SUNY campuses by the Fall 2026 semester.
We welcome the opportunity to deliver to even more students the important extra academic, financial and other supports that funding for ACE enables us to provide.”
-- Timothy Sams, President
These program expansions were made possible through an additional $8 million in allocated funding in the FY2026-27 Enacted State Budget, bringing the total state investment in this successful program to $20 million annually.
“Enrolling as a full-time student remains the fastest pathway for students to complete their studies and move on into their careers and lives,” said SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams. “We welcome the opportunity to deliver to even more students the important extra academic, financial and other supports that funding for ACE enables us to provide.”
"SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and the continued expansion of ASAP|ACE will help ensure our students can complete their degree on time, achieve their dreams, and move forward on a path to upward mobility," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "I am thrilled that through the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, and for the SUNY Board of Trustees, these vital programs will serve 10,000 students across the state this fall and I thank the [Campus Name] administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success."
When I visited SUNY Old Westbury last year for the celebration of the ACE program, I saw firsthand what it can do for students and am thrilled that it will be expanding for the upcoming academic year.”
-- New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine
“I am so proud of the continued investment by New York State in higher education and in public education, which is the heart of American democracy,” said New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine. "When I visited SUNY Old Westbury last year for the celebration of the ACE program, I saw firsthand what it can do for students and am thrilled that it will be expanding for the upcoming academic year.”
“Expanding the ACE program at SUNY Old Westbury is an important investment in student success and opportunity,” said New York State Senator Jack Martins. “ACE helps create pathways to achievement by providing students with the support they need to stay on track and complete their degree. This program makes a difference. It helps students reach their full potential academically and professionally.”
The Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) supports students pursuing associate degrees, while Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) supports baccalaureate students. Eligible students have access to a wide array of resources and support to help them overcome barriers that can prevent them from obtaining a degree. This includes funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation, and other costs of attendance, as well as comprehensive personalized advisement, academic support, and career development activities.
In addition to State investments, SUNY has received a $2 million renewal commitment from Brightway, which will extend its program’s support for additional student parents who are primary caregivers at seven community colleges with childcare costs, access to emergency cash assistance, and support for winter and summer course taking. The renewal commitment, which builds on an initial matched commitment of $1 million made to SUNY in 2023, will also expand personalized career guidance, strengthen connections to internships and employment opportunities, and pilot a new program supporting ASAP student parents transferring to SUNY baccalaureate campuses that offer ACE.
To learn more about ACE at SUNY Old Westbury, visit the campus’ ACE website or contact Rason Myhand, ACE director, via email.