Saturday, October 31, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
SUNY Canton is launching a transfer student scholarship in celebration of National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 19-23. The annual campaign is designed to encourage colleges across the nation to strengthen resources for students pursuing a transfer pathway.
The college will enter any transfer student who submits an application by Dec. 1 in a drawing to earn a one-time $1,000 scholarship toward non-tuition expenses. The college will select five recipients.
SUNY Canton Executive Director of Admissions Melissa J. Evans said the scholarship helps support those who select the college to continue their studies.
“Students have so many choices in the college search process, so we appreciate those who entrust us to help them move forward toward their degree goal.”
She added that the college has a team of professionals who specialize in ensuring students have a smooth transition to SUNY Canton.
“Even though we enroll hundreds of transfer students annually, each is unique. We are well-equipped to assist every single student who wants to continue their education here.”
Evans said that unlike many for-profit and private institutions, the college provides prompt, no-cost, no-commitment unofficial credit evaluations before the student officially applies or enrolls. Evaluations are completed in days, not weeks.
“Asking for an unofficial evaluation does not require payment of any application or enrollment fees, so there is a lot of freedom for those who are weighing their options. Plus, we can advise on the degree path scenarios that have the shortest time to completion.”
The college has a generous credit acceptance policy, and most passing grades are accepted. There are no limits on the amount of credits that will transfer.
“We also have removed barriers for older coursework, so those who are thinking of returning to college after an extended break will more than likely still receive credit,” Evans noted.
In addition to traditional fall open houses Oct. 24 and Nov. 14, the college is holding several events where students can talk one-on-one with an admissions counselor about flexible transfer pathways. A virtual evening event is held every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., or visitors can join the next virtual “Drop-In Days” scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16 to Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.
For more information about the scholarship, or to sign up for an information event, visit canton.edu.
Maryann Durham of Hermon came to SUNY Canton because she could earn her degree close to home. “I also liked the smaller campus because it felt more personal and gave me the chance to actually get to know my professors and other people on campus,” she said.
The Sports Management and recipient of the Leon and Rachel Bagley Endowed Scholarship spoke at the Canton College Foundation’s annual Scholarship Luncheon held on Thursday, Oct. 8. She said balancing schoolwork, work, paying her own expenses, and dealing with challenges has not always been easy, but she has learned to keep going even when things get difficult. At points, she’s held down two jobs in addition to being a full-time student.
“Receiving a scholarship helped take some of that financial pressure off me and reminded me that there are people who want to see students like me succeed,” she said. “When I graduate, I will also be the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, which makes the whole experience mean even more to me.”
Maryann’s favorite class is Marketing and Business, and she plans to pursue those interests after graduation in May 2027.
“Throughout my time at SUNY Canton, I have had different professors and staff members help me in different ways,” she said. “Whether it was helping me with classes, figuring out graduation requirements, or just being understanding when I had a lot going on, there have been many people who have helped me get to where I am now.”
Jacquelyn Rainville said she entered SUNY Canton as a confused and nervous first-year student. Now, the junior from Akron has excellent grades in the Criminal and Forensic Investigation program, is active in the student government, is completing a Presidential Internship, and is seeking new ways to be involved in campus life.
Jacquelyn Rainville, Canton Criminal and Forensic Investigation major, speaks during an ASAP|ACE event held on campus. Rainville is one of more than 300 students on campus participating in the rapidly expanding student support program.
"I can say with confidence that the ACE program played a huge role in my success," she said. "I am living proof that with the proper support and community that these programs offer, a student can thrive."
Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) are designed to support student retention, graduation and career preparation. ASAP is designed for two-year students, and ACE is for four-year students.
Rainville spoke to her peers, SUNY Canton administrators, SUNY leaders and an elected official about her experiences during a celebration of the continued growth of the ASAP|ACE program.
SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said the college has participated in ASAP|ACE since it debuted during the 2023-2024 academic year. The program is designed to help students stay on track and graduate on time by providing comprehensive academic, financial and personal support.
"When you add it all up, you can see that the ASAP|ACE program leads to student success," Szafran said. "It helps students in so many ways."
SUNY ASAP|ACE University Director Jennifer Bashant, Ph.D., described the initiatives as rigorously evaluated student-success models. She noted that SUNY Canton welcomed 320 students just as the statewide program expanded to 44 SUNY campuses, ultimately serving more than 10,000 students.
"ASAP|ACE goes well beyond just talking about student success," Bashant said. "It creates the conditions for it, enabling students to set free the potential that they've already had within them."
Assemblyman Scott Gray highlighted the growth of SUNY Canton's program from an initial cohort of 150 students and credited support from SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr., the State Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul. Gray described ASAP|ACE as an intensive support initiative that can lead to meaningful student outcomes.
ASAP|ACE students receive a dedicated academic advisor, leadership and career development opportunities, textbook assistance, a monthly stipend, and a cost-of-attendance award after financial aid is applied. Students must be eligible for in-state tuition, receive at least $1 in federal or state grant aid, complete required financial aid applications, and participate in program activities.
