Dedicated to the advancement of underrepresented students, the Department of Academic Support and Access Programs (ASAP) at Farmingdale State College (FSC) serves nearly 800 FSC and 800 local secondary school students annually, helping each young learner tap into their infinite potential to succeed.
Through eight uniquely structured programs, ASAP offers a variety of inclusive services designed to meet each student’s needs while removing known educational barriers. Grant- funded and state-operated, the programs serve participating students, including those who may be first-generation or low-income, have disabilities, or have demonstrated need, with resources such as financial assistance, individualized counseling, academic guidance, and career development.
“Each program has its own niche in terms of its primary focus, from extensive research in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields to the holistic support students may need to graduate on time,” said ASAP Executive Director Janice Rivera. “But they are all committed to serving underrepresented students. We strive to create a sense of belonging and empowerment...Their continued success drives everything we do.”
ASAP’s college support and opportunity programs “have outcomes that typically match or exceed those of the College,” said Rivera. “Over the past three years, our first-year retention rate has ranged from 71% to 100%, with an average of 90% across programs. Our students display excellence around campus as well, holding leadership positions and earning many recognitions,” she added. Similarly, ASAP’s access program participants have a 95.5% average graduation rate compared to an 85% average among its partner district high schools.
“My experience has been amazing,” said Allan Boateng Anfom, ’26, a science, technology, and society major and cybersecurity minor in the TRIO Program. “There are so many remarkable things about the program, but one thing that stands out most to me is the personalized support from our counselors, which has given me the tailored solutions and tools to navigate my college journey.”
“We strive to create a sense of belonging and empowerment...Their continued success drives everything we do.” Janice Rivera, executive director, academic and support services
For Marquies Clifford Ross, ’28, an applied psychology major in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), being a part of ASAP “has been nothing but positivity” as he navigated personal challenges and housing insecurity while trying to focus on his education.
“I was going through some family problems at home, and I did not have a very stable place to lay my head, unfortunately,” he said. “Coming into college, I was extremely nervous and scared. I thought I was never going to fit in. But through EOP, I’ve received the best advice and options and have had the most fun I’ve ever had in my life building relationships around campus. Entering EOP is one of the best choices I’ve made. It has helped me see clearly how successful I can be and what steps I need to take to reach that success.”
To honor students’ hard work and dedication, ASAP recently hosted an inspiring graduation celebration for all its secondary school access programs, including Smart Scholars, the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), and the Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP).
“We wanted you to see that you’re part of something bigger,” Rivera said to the middle and high school graduates. “You are not alone and never will be as long as you reach out for the support that is offered to you. Remember what you’re capable of and that you have the intelligence, the strength, the motivation, and most importantly, the support to succeed in anything that you want to do.”
Now an FSC science, technology, and society major studying molluscan shell regeneration, Kevin Velasquez, ’28, shared it was his interest in zoology that led him to join STEP while attending Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School. He now aspires to become a veterinarian.
“The variety of program activities to choose from is remarkable and really broadens the scope as to what might interest a person,” he said. “I gained new experiences and found new knowledge that I would have never known about if not for joining STEP. And it has led me to my experience as a Farmingdale student, which has been very positive. Looking ahead, I feel confident. STEP is a gateway for whatever a student may want to do in the future.”
Kelly Lira, administrative assistant for LLP and STEP, is also a 2020 LLP and 2024 FSC alumna. She first learned about ASAP as a student at Amityville Memorial High School.
“Before LLP, I had never joined a club or program since my family often moved every few years,” she said. “Now, being a part of the amazing ASAP team, I have seen the students grow before my eyes. I understand how rewarding and impactful it is. It’s a different kind of feeling, especially knowing how bright their futures will be and knowing how much work they put into the program, their education, and their community. I can’t wait to see what they become and what they will accomplish.”
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