Testimonials

“I can state unequivocally that there is no organization in Syracuse that has done more to decrease the crime in our city than On Point for College.”

– Frank L. Fowler, Syracuse Police Chief


“On Point for College is one of the most proactive college access programs for reaching out to low-income and underrepresented groups at both the pre-enrollment and post-enrollment stages. It may be the most experienced community-based college access program in the country at honing the delivery of targeted strategies to increase retention of more vulnerable youth. And perhaps, On Point is singular in their proactive outreach to students who have stopped out of college.”

– Jeanna Keller Berdel, Senior Strategy Officer, Lumina Foundation


“Onondaga Community College and On Point for College have collaborated on college access and retention initiatives for over twelve years, as a significant number of the low-income, first-generation students served by On Point enroll at OCC. This college access and success program is well regarded by students for the caring relationships the program fosters, the support it provides, and the dramatic difference it makes in students’ lives.”

– Casey Crabill, Ed.D., President, Onondaga Community College


“On Point for College is one of the most caring and effective college access programs in the country. I have had the privilege of being an enthusiastic volunteer driver and donor, and have met over 75 students. It has been an indescribable honor, joy and blessing to get to know and serve these students.”

– Paul Goetchius, Mentor and Volunteer Driver


“The leadership and staff of On Point truly cares about students and their families, providing an array of services and support that is unprecedented in the college access industry. On Point serves youth through a selfless and genuine spirit that enables students to know that there are people who believe in them, and that there is no obstacle too big to overcome. In fact, many of its most distinguishing services are those that would, in traditional households, be offered through a parent or guardian.”

– Elsa Magee, Executive Vice President and Acting President, New York State Higher Education services Corporation


“This is by far one of the best organizations I have ever been involved with. Ginny and her staff go above and beyond for each one of these students.”

– Helene Wallace, Former Board Member


“As a professional educator, I am in a position to recognize On Point for College as one of the most successful community-based college access programs in the nation. I am proud to serve this organization because through their work they serve our community so well.”

– Lorrie Clemo, Provost, SUNY Oswego


“On Point provides essential and direct outreach and mentoring to low-income, often disconnected youth, who might think college is beyond reach, or who might struggle with persisting in and completing post-secondary programs.”

– Michael F. Melara, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Onondaga County


“On Point has afforded the opportunity of a college education to countless students who would not have had it without On Point’s support, and it has also infused tens of millions of dollars in community college tuition into New York State’s University system at a time when we needed it most, making it a win for both the people and State of New York.”

– Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., President, SUNY Adirondack


“Colleges in New York State know that if On Point for College students are enrolled at their college, that these students will receive the support and guidance they need to help them succeed.”

– Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D., President, Le Moyne College


“On Point for College has proven to be one of the region’s effective tools for helping young people to realize their full potential, earn a post-secondary degree and transition to a meaningful career. For the past several years, the Cornell Speech & Debate program has invited several On Point students to attend the summer debate camp free of charge. These students, despite their challenging circumstances, have performed admirably when compared with other participants from around the world.”

– Samuel Nelson, Director, Cornell Speech & Debate Society, Senior Lecturer


“On Point is committed to serving some of the most challenged students who live in the most poverty-stricken neighborhoods of our school district. The Syracuse City School District is grateful for On Point for College’s unique and effective work in the community.”

– Sharon L. Contreras, Superintendent, Syracuse City School District


“For many years United Way has financially supported the important work of On Point for College, which helps young men and women by eliminating barriers to college enrollment. We appreciate and are very grateful to On Point for College for helping to provide opportunity for some of the most difficult-to-serve men and women in our community.”

– Frank J. Lazarski, President, United Way of Central New York