SUNY Canton Joins The Ogdensburg Promise as Founding Campus Partner in New College Access Initiative
Bridging Futures, Building Dreams: The Ogdensburg Promise Launches Groundbreaking Last-Dollar Scholarship & Student Support Program
SUNY Canton is proud to join The Ogdensburg Promise (TOP) as a founding campus partner, helping create new pathways to higher education for eligible graduates of Ogdensburg Free Academy. Announced today (Friday, Oct. 2) during a special ceremony at OFA, the initiative combines last-dollar financial support with individualized student coaching to help participants enroll in and complete college or workforce training programs.
The Ogdensburg Promise (TOP) is a place-based scholarship and workforce initiative for eligible graduates of Ogdensburg Free Academy who meet City of Ogdensburg residency and other program requirements. Beginning with eligible members of the OFA Class of 2027, TOP will provide last-dollar support for eligible education costs, based on the student's approved pathway, and connect students with two Promise Pathway Coaches who help them plan, apply, enroll and progress toward completion.
Learn more: The Ogdensburg Promise
TOP is partnering with SUNY Canton and the other three members of the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley as the founding campus partners for the program to expand opportunities for eligible OFA graduates pursuing higher education and trades in St. Lawrence County.
SUNY Canton is uniquely positioned as the first college in the partnership to offer one-year certificates, two-year associate degrees, and four-year programs. To apply or to learn more about resources available to future students, please visit the college’s Admissions website.
“We applaud The Ogdensburg Promise as another way to make a SUNY Canton education more affordable and attainable for local students,” said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. “By strengthening the pipeline of North Country students pursuing higher education, the program will help our region develop the talent needed to support its workforce and economy. This investment in students is also an investment in the future of our community.”
As the first initiative of its kind in the North Country, The Ogdensburg Promise has already secured nearly $4 million toward an initial fundraising goal of $6 million through the support of individuals, families, alumni, businesses, foundations and community partners.
One Promise. Three Pathways. Two Coaches.
“TOP was created around one conviction: The future of Ogdensburg depends upon the future of its people. By reducing financial barriers and connecting students with guidance, TOP is designed to expand opportunity, strengthen the regional workforce, give families another reason to remain in or choose Ogdensburg, and restore confidence in what the community can become,” said TOP founder Lonny Carpenter, a 1980 graduate of OFA.
Eligible students can pursue three pathways: public college, a TOP private university partner, or an approved skilled-trade, technical or vocational certification.
TOP's two Promise Pathway Coaches will help students and families understand eligibility, explore careers and education options, complete applications, navigate financial aid, meet deadlines and connect with appropriate resources. They will also coordinate with OFA, partner colleges, approved training providers and workforce organizations.
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "SUNY is unwavering in our commitment to creating dedicated pathways for students to receive an affordable and excellent public higher education that helps them achieve their dreams. My congratulations to SUNY Canton and the Ogdensburg Free Academy on their partnership, as part of The Ogdensburg Promise, to provide life-changing opportunities that ensure students have the support they need to reach their full potential, strengthen the local workforce, and build bright futures."
Moving ahead, SUNY Canton will work closely with The Ogdensburg Promise, OFA students and their families to help participants identify educational pathways, navigate the admissions and financial aid process and pursue their academic and career goals.
For more information about The Ogdensburg Promise, visit theogdensburgpromise.com.
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college’s career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.