POTSDAM — SUNY Potsdam is expanding its Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program, which provides academic, financial and personal support to help students stay on track and graduate on time.

Launched at SUNY Potsdam in 2024, the program will grow by 50 students this fall, bringing enrollment to 300, college officials announced Oct. 19.

“The results speak for themselves: ACE students consistently achieve higher retention rates, stronger GPAs, and more earned credits than their non-ACE peers. In fact, more than half of our ACE students were named to the Dean's or President's List for Spring 2026,” SUNY Potsdam President Suzanne R. Smith said.

The expansion reflects the college's commitment to helping students succeed regardless of their background or circumstances, she said.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the continued expansion of the system's Advancing Success in Associate Pathways through Education (ASAP) and ACE programs will help students complete their degrees and improve their economic opportunities.

With an additional $8 million allocated in the 2026-27 state budget, the programs are expected to serve 10,000 students across 44 SUNY campuses by fall 2026. The additional funding brings the state's annual investment in the programs to $20 million.

SUNY Potsdam will receive $550,000 in new state funding to expand ACE.

The programs provide support to help students overcome barriers to completing their degrees. Services include funding for textbooks, groceries, transportation and other college expenses, along with academic assistance, individualized advising and career development activities.

State Assemblyman Scott Gray said the programs help students adjust to campus life and gain independence.

Gray said the programs offer financial assistance but also provide individual attention and engagement that can make a difference in students' college experiences.

SUNY Potsdam has seen retention rates among ACE students that are 15% higher than the college's five-year average. The program's overall persistence rate is 82%, and 72% of students in the initial spring 2024 cohort are expected to graduate this year, according to the college.

“ACE is about connection — and the key to the program has been engagement. From the moment students join the program, they're supported by a network that sees them, hears them, and walks with them every step of the way,” ACE Director Sean Partridge said. “When students know someone is in their corner, they're more likely to persist, succeed and graduate.”

Students said the program's advising and financial assistance have helped them manage coursework and college expenses.

Stephen Buff, a music education and flute performance major from Center Moriches, said his ACE adviser helped him develop a four-year academic plan and stay on track to graduate. Financial assistance for required books and groceries has also helped him focus on his studies.

Kenna O'Brien, a biomedical sciences major from Norfolk, said the program has helped her succeed academically, make friends and stay on track to graduate early.

Alysia Eason, an early childhood and childhood education major from Uniondale, said ACE's financial support has made college more manageable. She also credited her adviser with helping her adjust to college and stay accountable for her academic progress.

To learn more about ACE at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/ace. For more information, contact Partridge at ace@potsdam.edu or 315-267-2520.