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SUNY Westchester at the Center of Statewide Transformation as Viking ROADS Graduation Gains Go Public
VALHALLA, NY — Last week, SUNY Westchester Community College hosted a packed press conference to unveil the final results of a landmark study showing its Viking ROADS (Resources for Obtaining Associate Degrees and Success) program increased graduation rates by 12 percentage points — one of the most significant improvements ever recorded at a community college.
The event, held in the Gateway Atrium, brought together state education leaders, MDRC researchers, SUNY system officials, philanthropic partners, and students to highlight the program’s impact and growing influence across New York State. A video of the event is available here
The MDRC study — a randomized controlled trial tracking nearly 600 students over three years — found that students enrolled in Viking ROADS graduated at a rate of 35.5%, compared to 23.7% for those receiving standard services. The program also boosted full-time enrollment by as much as 18 percentage points in early semesters. It led to greater credit accumulation — gains sustained even through the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a truly transformational program which not only will improve the future of these students but the families and communities that rely on their successes,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College.
The press conference also marked a major turning point for higher education across New York: building on Viking ROADS’ success, SUNY announced the expansion of the ASAP model to 25 campuses statewide, supported by a historic $75 million investment through the SUNY Transformation Fund. The program already serves over 4,000 students, with plans to grow to 6,000 by fall and 10,000 within two years.
“Westchester’s results are a shining example of what’s possible when you pair vision with evidence-based design,” said Dr. Donna Linderman, SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success. “We’re proud to be scaling this model across the SUNY system so that thousands more students can stay on track, earn their degrees, and build the future they envision.”
Viking ROADS is modeled after the City University of New York’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) — a program that nearly doubled graduation rates at CUNY community colleges and demonstrated similarly strong results when replicated in Ohio. Students in Viking ROADS receive comprehensive support: dedicated advising, tutoring, career counseling, textbook and transportation stipends, and reserved seats in key courses. In return, students commit to full-time study and regular engagement with advisors.
Most Viking ROADS participants are students of color; over one-third are the first in their families to attend college. The program launched in 2018 with 101 students and has grown to serve over 550 students in the current academic year.
“Without Viking ROADS, I truly don’t believe I would be the successful student I am today — graduating on the President’s List and feeling confident in my academic abilities as I move forward,” said Annie Pingry, a Viking ROADS student speaker at the event.
Arnold Ventures, the Robin Hood Foundation, the SUNY Transformation Fund, and federal Title V and Title III Hispanic Serving Institution grants have supported the program. Anonymous donors and the Westchester Community College Foundation have also contributed support.
As the first SUNY campus to fully implement the ASAP model, SUNY Westchester has become a blueprint for campuses statewide — and a demonstration site for what’s possible when student success is treated as a system-wide priority.
About MDRC
MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to finding solutions to some of the most difficult problems facing the nation — from reducing poverty and bolstering economic mobility to improving public education and college graduation rates. MDRC designs promising new interventions, evaluates existing programs using the highest research standards, and provides technical assistance to build better programs and deliver effective interventions at scale.
About The City University of New York (CUNY)
The City University of New York is the nation’s largest urban public university and a transformative engine of social mobility. CUNY serves over 243,000 students across its 25 campuses and graduates more than 55,000 students each year. Its Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) is one of the most effective student support models in the country, producing dramatic gains in completion and economic mobility. CUNY’s mission is to provide a first-rate education to all students, regardless of means or background.
