By Hayleigh Gowans
Staff Writer
The East Syracuse Minoa class of 2020 will have a unique opportunity come graduation time — those who take part in the pilot OCC Advantage college readiness program throughout their four years of high school will be eligible to receive two years of free tuition to Onondaga Community College.
Dozens of freshmen and their parents attended a kick-off ceremony on Nov. 29 to learn more about the program.
“This is an exciting evening,” said Superintendent Donna DeSiato, an OCC alumnus and a current member of their board of trustees. “As superintendent, I have the privilege of providing leadership and preparing thousands of students for future success in college and career … Education is clearly an important part of what makes for success in our lives, our futures, our communities and our world. Tonight we celebrate a unique opportunity for ESM students.”
ESM and Solvay High School freshmen were selected to take part in this pilot program, which is similar to the “Say Yes to Education” at the Syracuse City School District. If students are able to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average, and meet community service and attendance requirements through their high school careers, they are eligible to receive four semesters — or two years — of free tuition at OCC. For the 2016-17 school year, full-time tuition at OCC cost $2,285 per semester.
Amy Kremenek, vice president of enrollment development and communication at OCC, said the funding for the program is being raised through a scholarship endowment campaign, with a goal of $5 million to be raised by 2020.
“What I think that’s great about this is that it’s for all students, not just the top 10 percent of students,” said Kremenek. “It’s a college readiness program designed to help kids get ready for college in terms of the developing the skills and behavior that will help them reach success.”
Some of these college-readiness skills and behavior include attending class, completing coursework, working with others and service to the community. If a student is unable to meet one of the requirements, a restorative component is available to help them get back on track, said Kremenek.
Although this program is only being offered to the ESM and Solvay classes of 2020 for now, Kremenek said there is an opportunity for it to expand in the future.
ESM freshman Gabe Coen and his mother Sarah VanDeuson, an OCC alumnus, are excited for him to begin the participation in this program.
“I think it’s awesome to give the kids this opportunity,” said VanDeuson. “Even though OCC is an affordable college, it’s still a problem for some people. When I went there, I still had to take out loans myself and it would be awesome if he [Coen] could go to college and at least get general studies done without incurring a lot of debt.”
Coen said he would like to go into a career working with technology, and believes OCC will be a good and affordable option to begin his career path.
“College is usually so expansive, and I feel it’s great to get some help with the financial troubles of it,” said Coen.
