Onondaga Community College, City Year Buffalo, and City Year New York signed an agreement which will give students who complete a gap year of community service a seamless pathway to Onondaga Community College (OCC).
City Year Buffalo and City Year New York are service programs affiliated with AmeriCorps which bring together young adults from diverse backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service. The organization includes more than 3,000 members serving in 29 U.S. cities. Those who successfully complete their service become eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award which can be used to pay educational expenses.
OCC is a two-year college in Syracuse which offers students both direct “here to career” options and transfer opportunities to outstanding four-year colleges including but not limited to SUNY Universities such as Oswego, Upstate Medical, ESF, Polytechnic Institute and University of Buffalo; Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions such as Lincoln University (PA), Johnson C. Smith University (NC), Dillard University (LA) and Medgar Evers College (NYC); and private institutions such as Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Utica University and Wells College.
This new educational partnership between OCC and City Year will:
- Provide affordable education pathways for diverse student populations who have completed service in New York State’s two largest cities.
- Bring strong citizens and leaders to the OCC campus who will have the opportunity to live in residence halls at reduced rates.
- Help businesses fulfill critical workforce needs in in-demand fields such as healthcare, technology-based careers, and education.
“City Year New York is excited for the groundwork being laid with SUNY Onondaga Community College to provide access to quality higher education for AmeriCorps Members completing a year of service with City Year. At the heart of our collaboration with SUNY OCC lies a shared commitment to empower young adults with the tools they need to thrive. Together, we are committed to providing young adults with access to affordable education, enabling them to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to their communities beyond their year of service.” Annie Kessler, Interim Executive Director, City Year New York
“City Year Buffalo is proud to be partnering with Onondaga Community College to provide a pathway to higher education at an excellent and proximate SUNY Community College. Our alumni will have the opportunity to pursue several degree pathways, including the many exciting technology related programs in Onondaga’s portfolio. Working with Dr. Hilton and his team has been a pleasure and we look forward to continuing the partnership between our two mission-aligned organizations as we collectively increase access to education for diverse, civically minded students in New York State,” said Jacqueline Ashby, City Year Buffalo Executive Director.
“We are proud to partner with City Year and provide their community-focused students with an outstanding higher education opportunity. While they work hard to achieve their dreams through their chosen field of study, they will also enrich our campus life with their civic mindedness. I thank the leaders of City Year for collaborating on this pathway to a better life and a stronger workforce across New York State,” said OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton.
Pixabay Photo
