Farmingdale State College (FSC) today held a celebration event to highlight the overwhelming success of its Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE) Program, part of a new State University of New York (SUNY) initiative focused on meaningfully improving student support, retention, and degree completion.  

“The program fits into the community within Farmingdale State College so seamlessly,” said FSC Department of Academic Support & Access Programs (ASAP) Executive Director Janice Rivera. “The ACE team has done an outstanding job and exceeded expectations and requirements at every turning point. They have really built something special and we are all just extremely grateful, particularly for the students’ experience.” 

Launched just under a year ago, the program welcomed its first cohort of 76 students in January 2024--far surpassing SUNY’s initial target of 50. Now fully into its second semester, the program has quickly grown to a record 215 students. 

“The telltale signs of success are reflected in three key indicators: retention, persistence, and graduation rate,” said FSC President Robert S. Prezant, PhD. “Our ACE Program has a focus on all three of these metrics, and dare I say, is thriving and continues to grow and continues to enhance these keys to student success. ACE provides students with the financial support and material resources they need to achieve their academic goals."

At FSC, the ACE Program is open to all majors and provides free holistic services for FSC first-generation students and those who have demonstrated need, including individualized counseling, leadership and career development, peer mentoring, interactive workshops and events, and financial support, including academic scholarships, textbook stipends, help with groceries, and transportation assistance. ACE’s primary goal is to narrow opportunity gaps and increase timely bachelor's degree completion rates for participating students. 

“ACE is based on a simple belief: income should never limit someone’s potential or dreams,” said New York State Senator Monica Martinez. “Higher education isn’t just for those with the means to afford it; it’s for anyone who has the passion and determination to succeed. The ACE Program and others like it exist because of this principle. They help level the playing field and ensure that financial constraints don’t hold anyone back from academic success.”

FSC is one of a dozen State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to participate in the new initiative, which also includes an Accelerated Study in Associate Program (ASAP) at some campuses. Initially launched at the City University of New York (CUNY) in 2007, the programs expanded to the SUNY system in spring 2024, supported by an historic demonstration of state-level support championed by Governor Kathy Hochul in the $75 million SUNY Transformation Fund and supplemented by private grants. In fall 2024, SUNY ASAP/ACE enrolled 4,200 students. 

“Student success drives everything we do at SUNY, and we are committed to meeting students and their families where they are to ensure they thrive," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “SUNY takes pride in scaling ASAP and ACE as proven models for student success across our campuses and we look forward to continuing to invest in the next generation of SUNY graduates at Farmingdale State College and across the system.”

“ACE has become a home for me on campus,” said Marlaina Molinari, ’27, a horticultural technology management major. “It's where I found my community – people who get where I'm coming from because they're from similar places, even if each of our stories is unique. The students are incredibly supportive, and I know that no matter what, I have people in my corner. And the ACE staff truly make us feel like we belong. Their support has been invaluable, and I'm so grateful to have them cheering me on. With ACE behind me, I feel like I can tackle anything that comes my way.”

“ACE provides me with many resources, allowing me a space to come to throughout my day to get work done, or having someone to talk to about how school is going,” said Malik Mattison, ’28, a student in the Aeronautical Science: Professional Pilot Program. “Being a part of ACE has allowed me a chance to make some friends, being new here and not knowing anyone on campus. My ACE success coach has also been a huge help to me here during my first semester…which ensures that I am on track to graduate within four years.”

“I joined the ACE program seeking a supportive community to navigate my academic journey and prioritize my well-being,” said Matthews Pyroll, ’28, a Science, Technology, & Society (STS) major. “The program has exceeded my expectations, providing consistent guidance through monthly meetings that have become a cornerstone for my mental and financial stability. These sessions offer a safe space to discuss challenges, receive coaching, and access additional support when needed. I'm grateful for the ACE program's transformative support, empowering me to thrive academically and personally.” 

“At the kickoff, we had the opportunity to meet and talk to other ACE students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. It was at this point that I realized how many lives ACE is impacting and changing,” said Kelile Rogers, ’28, a business analytics major. “ACE has been a blessing to not only myself but my family as well, providing me with support in the classroom and financially. Because of the support I have received, I am now determined to not only get my bachelor’s degree, but also my master’s degree in business analytics. I know that ACE has my back, and I am destined for success.”

To learn more, please visit FSC’s ACE Program webpage.  

View photos from the ACE Program event on our Flickr Gallery.

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