The City University of New York is unveiling an ambitious $42 million plan to boost graduation rates at its community colleges, the Daily News has learned.
The plan would also transform Bronx Community College so that all students are part of an accelerated program designed to help them graduate in three years.
“As educators, it is not enough for us to provide just an opportunity for advancement,” said CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken, who is set to make the announcement Friday at the annual Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress in San Diego.
“We have to take responsibility for equipping our students with the tools for seizing that opportunity and be held accountable when they do not,” Milliken said.
The Bronx campus is being designated an Accelerated Study in Associate Programs, or ASAP, college where students receive extra tutoring and academic support, as well as financial help for books and MetroCards.
Milliken said the $42 million in city funds will allow ASAP to expand from 4,000 students to 25,000 students across all CUNY associate programs by 2018.
CUNY will also expand one college prep program for students who need remedial help and another that helps students become proficient in math.
The plan’s goal is to boost the graduation rate at CUNY community colleges to 34% over the next 10 years.
