At Bronx Community College, the CUNY ASAP program is building on its longstanding success with a renewed focus – and the results are clear.

Nationally recognized as a model for student success, ASAP has consistently demonstrated the power of comprehensive, coordinated support. By combining financial assistance, structured academic advising, and personalized guidance, the program remains central to BCC’s mission of helping students persist and graduate.

In recent years, higher education has faced significant challenges – including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – that have affected enrollment, retention, and student engagement across institutions. In response, ASAP has sharpened its approach, reinforcing the practices that define its success.

“We’ve always been a strong program,” said Director Melanie (Mel) Robles, who has been part of ASAP at BCC for nearly 14 years. “But now, we’ve been able to refocus, streamline, and return to what makes ASAP work best – consistent, meaningful engagement with students.”

That renewed focus is paying off. Over the past two years, ASAP at BCC has significantly improved student engagement rates – from below 50 percent to approximately 85 percent, reflecting intentional, data-informed strategies that strengthen connections with students and keep them on track. Robles pointed out that 13 of the last 20 valedictorians and salutatorians over the past decade have been ASAP students.

Among the most effective innovations is “Fast Track,” a coordinated, campus-wide effort that brings together advisors, staff, and peer mentors to reach ASAP students who have fallen out of regular contact. During these targeted events, hundreds of students meet with advisors in a single day, reestablishing connections and reinforcing expectations.

Behind the scenes, new systems have strengthened operations. A centralized “hub” now allows advisors to track student needs more efficiently, while improved data practices ensure outreach is timely and consistent, creating a more cohesive, responsive advising model.

Leadership has also played a key role. By empowering associate directors and advisors – many of whom have grown within the program – ASAP has cultivated a culture of collaboration and shared accountability.

The impact is evident not only in engagement, but also in retention. This past semester, ASAP achieved a 90 percent re-enrollment rate among continuing students – an encouraging sign of persistence and program effectiveness.

For students like Jhonaisy Segura, an international student pursuing media studies, ASAP has been transformative. “When I first came to New York, I felt lost,” she said. “ASAP helped guide me – academically and professionally. From advising to career workshops, it has given me the tools and confidence to move forward.”

Segura, who plans to transfer to a four-year college in fall 2026 to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, credits ASAP not only for practical support like transportation and academic planning, but for the sense of community it provides.

That human connection remains at the heart of ASAP’s success.

“As much as the resources matter, it’s the human support that makes the difference,” Robles said. “We’re here to help students reach the finish line – and beyond.”

With strengthened systems, a committed team, and a renewed sense of purpose, ASAP at BCC will continue to lead.