UAlbany Launches SUNY Program to Support Student Success and Close Opportunity Gaps
ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 10, 2025) – This fall, the University at Albany welcomed 200 students to the inaugural class of the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program. The program offers students resources to support their success and is aimed at increasing on-time graduation rates and removing common barriers to college completion.
On Friday, UAlbany Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Kim invited participating students, SUNY representatives, elected officials and members of the campus community to an event celebrating the important work of the initiative.
"At UAlbany, we are deeply committed to supporting every student’s success, and the ACE program is a powerful reflection of that mission — removing barriers that stand in the way of graduation. As one of the most diverse R1 universities in the country and a national leader in social mobility, students from every background can find the opportunity and support they need to reach their goals. We are grateful to Gov. Hochul, our state lawmakers and our partners at SUNY for investing in this initiative and in our students,” Kim said.
The University announced the arrival of the program to campus this June with an initial enrollment of 150 students. Because of extensive interest, the program was expanded to 200 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.
A supportive community
Participating students noted the program’s commitment to building a community of personal and academic support.
“As a first-generation college student, the ACE program's mission of offering support to students throughout the college journey in order to make it even more accessible really spoke to me. Coming to college, it was incredibly important for me to build a support system that would help me throughout my years at UAlbany because this whole journey, while exciting, is new and unfamiliar. I've found that support with ACE,” said Zahara Nadler, a freshman English major.
Tianna Bowie, a freshman Interdisciplinary Legal Studies major, said, “I am excited to be a part of the first-ever cohort of ACE students at UAlbany. ACE has created a robust community of students by fostering connections with peers through events and seminars. And my amazing advisors make sure I am supported and given any resources I may need.”
State-wide investment helps student success
In the 2025-26 state budget, Gov. Hochul and state leaders allocated $12 million for SUNY to expand this initiative, which will help UAlbany support more students as they pursue degrees. The significant investment will help grow ASAP|ACE enrollment statewide to an anticipated 7,000 students this year, on track to enrolling 10,000 students for Fall 2026.
“Too often, students who arrive at college from disadvantaged backgrounds fall through the cracks,” said state Sen. Patricia Fahy (D-Albany). “At a time when the cost of college continues to rise, SUNY, UAlbany and the New York State Legislature are taking direct and meaningful action to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed. I want to commend SUNY Chancellor John King and UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez for their vision in prioritizing student success, and I look forward to our continued partnership as we seek to encourage more and more New Yorkers to achieve their dream of securing a higher education.”
“I am honored to stand with the University at Albany to celebrate the launch of its Advancing Completion through Engagement Program,” said Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero (D- Albany, Guilderland and New Scotland). “The $12 million we secured in the previous budget for SUNY to expand this initiative will ensure that low-income students have the resources they need to succeed, such as mentorship, textbook assistance and a stipend to support necessities such as transportation and groceries and I am proud to support these students as they begin the next part of their journey.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said “Programs like ACE make a real difference in the lives of students by ensuring that financial and personal challenges don’t stand in the way of earning a degree. I’m proud to have supported this initiative in this year's budget. This program will open doors for more students to succeed and strengthen our workforce.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and our expansion of the proven ASAP and ACE programs across our system ensures our students are on track to complete their degree on time and pursue their aspirations. I applaud Gov. Hochul and state leaders for their continued support of SUNY, and I thank UAlbany’s administration, faculty and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.”