Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) - Bronx Community College

Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) - Bronx
Institution
CUNY Bronx Community College
State
New York
Academic Level
Associate
Issue Area
Retention
Key Personnel
Program Focus
Pathway/Pipeline

Overview

The Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) was launched in 2007 to improve the low graduation rates of City University of New York’s (CUNY) Community Colleges. Their mission is to graduate at least 50% of its students within three years. To realize its mission ASAP provides students with a battery of comprehensive services delivered with a clear degree completion strategy and guided by three principles: maintaining academic momentum, achieving a successful student integration in the institution, and removing institutional difficulties by building “guided pathways.”

Program Description

ASAP provides wraparound services to students at six CUNY community colleges. About 90% of ASAP students receive full financial aid and 85% enter the program with at least one developmental education need. The ASAP theory of action includes removing financial barriers for students who enroll full time, providing structured degree pathways, comprehensive support services, establishing clear expectations for students, building community through early engagement, a cohort model, and block scheduling.

Outcome

ASAP students are retained semester to semester at a 93% rate, compared to 84% in the control group. 

ASAP students two year retains its students at a 23% rate, compared to 7% in the control group. 

ASAP students enroll in bachelor's programs at a 59% rate, compared to 50% in the control group. 

ASAP students earn a bachelor's degree withing six years at a 27% rate, compared to 8% in the control group. 

ASAP at BCC is serving almost 2,000 students. By 2018-19 BCC ASAP is expected to grow to serve 5,000 students, or 50% of the college’s population.