SUNY Westchester Community College leaders today announced the continuation of Viking Resources for Obtaining Associate Degrees and Success (Viking ROADS). The new funding means that more than 300 students at SUNY WCC will receive important resources to help students gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time.
Viking ROADS, which is based on the nationally recognized Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) model, has been rigorously evaluated and is the only community college completion model proven to nearly double graduation rates, making it the strongest evidence-based student success model of its kind. Since launching at SUNY Westchester Community College nine years ago, Viking ROADS has supported 1,548 students. Among students who have participated in the program, 40 percent (compared to the national average of 22%) have earned their degrees, demonstrating the program’s significant impact on student persistence and completion.
SUNY WCC is part of SUNY’s systemwide expansion of Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) – the nation’s leading college retention and completion models – that will serve 10,000 students at 44 SUNY campuses by the Fall 2026 semester. ASAP|ACE helps students gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time.
Since becoming the original SUNY campus to implement the ASAP model in 2018, SUNY Westchester Community College has contributed to the growing national body of evidence demonstrating that comprehensive student support services significantly improve student outcomes. Viking ROADS has been an important part of the research validating ASAP as the nation’s most effective evidence-based community college completion model. SUNY WCC also participated in MDRC’s landmark evaluation of the program and is currently participating in a second phase of research examining graduates’ long-term employment and wage outcomes.
The expansion was 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.
“For nine years, Viking ROADS has demonstrated what is possible when students receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY
Westchester Community College. “More than 1,500 students have benefited from this program, and its results continue to reinforce our commitment to removing barriers to completion. We are proud that SUNY WCC has helped build the national evidence showing that this model transforms lives by increasing graduation rates and creating stronger pathways to careers and economic mobility.”
“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 SUNY Westchester Community College administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.”
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. See here for more information: https://www.suny.edu/asap-ace/.
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.
Arnold Ventures, the Robin Hood Foundation, the SUNY Transformation Fund, and federal Title V Hispanic Serving Institution grants have provided essential support for the program at SUNY WCC. Anonymous donors and the Westchester Community College Foundation have also contributed support.
Individualized supports delivered through Viking ROADS are critical for students like sophomore Anita Lajqi, who is studying to be a Paralegal and appreciated how the staff provided her with what she needed to succeed, whether it was academic help, personal encouragement, or extra resources.
“Being part of the Viking ROADS program has truly been an amazing experience,” said Anita. “From the very beginning, I’ve always felt supported and guided every step of the way. I’ve had an amazing experience with my advisor, who has made me feel seen, heard, and motivated.
One of the things I really appreciate is the extra help they give us, like funds for books and gas. This program has made my college journey smoother, more organized, and more meaningful, and I’m genuinely grateful to be a Viking ROADS student.”
To learn more about Viking ROADS at SUNY WCC, visit www.sunywcc.edu/viking-roads/ or contact Leonore Rodrigues at Leonore.rodrigues@sunywcc.edu.