Who we are

We are four employees, one consultant, one hundred sixty volunteers, and one thousand, seven hundred ten students from difficult backgrounds.

Seven hundred thirty-four of the students are in college at this moment.  We know because we drive them, counsel them, call them, intercede on their behalf if -- but only if -- necessary, and we go to their graduations.

On Point for College has been recognized nationally for effectiveness and best practices by the National College Access Network and the College Board.  On Point for College was chosen 2008 Non-Profit of the Year by the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.

Its work has earned its founder, Ginny Donohue, the 2004 Post Standard Achievement Award; the 2003 Martin Luther King “Unsung Hero” Award from Syracuse University; and the Caring and Sharing Award from the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Syracuse. In 2004, she was one of five finalists for the national Ben & Jerry’s “Citizen Cool” award and featured in their movie, The Difference.  In 2006, her work with On Point for College was recognized by Traditional Home magazine.  In 2008, she was awarded the Spirit of Lantern award, and a portrait of Ginny among her students has been hung in Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University.

Program Director Sam Rowser was chosen Onondaga County Youth Professional of the Year in 2007, and is recipient of the Racial Justice award in 2008.

Ginny began working from the trunk of her car, in 1999.