I've met with several beneficiaries of this program. Young adults from underprivileged backgrounds, who had no chance of getting into college. Then this organization showed them that they could not only get in, but stay in, get support, personal, financial and material, and GRADUATE. This program has been a life changer for over 5000 kids, with one of the highest success rates in New York State and the nation, for actually making it happen, not just proposals and administrative theories.
On Point for College is an organization which literally started out of the trunk of the director's car as she helped her daughter and then her daughter's friends, and then friends of friends to navigate all the problems of getting into and then succeeding in college. I have spent many hours for a number of years now driving students to colleges throughout New York for On Point. I have been to New York City, Albany, Plattsburg, Potsdam, Rochester, Buffalo, Jamestown, Oneonta, and many other places, and each trip has been a joy. I highly recommend this organization as a place to volunteer especially is you enjoy driving and I also recommend it as a place to give supplies for college students. On Point helps students prepare for college, get into college, obtain the clothing and bedding they'll need at college, travel back and forth to school, and even to obtain a good job after graduating. This is an organization which cares for each person it helps by visiting them at school to be sure things are going well and by having 'angels' at many of the schools throughout New York who can address a students needs on the spot when an emergency occurs.
On Point for College is a wonderful organization that assists students and families with all of the logistics of college enrollment from the initial application, completion of detailed financial aid forms, to insuring that students are settled with books, warm clothing and all they need to succeed. I have worked directly with the founder, Ginny Donohue, on several occasions, and she is one of the most compassionate and kind individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She personally laid the foundation for this endeavor by helping a few of her children's friends with college and financial aid applications She soon saw a real need in the Syracuse, New York area to provide this type of assistance free of charge to students who had the potential and motivation to enter College, but who needed help to complete all of the logistics that entering college involves. As the Bursar at Herkimer County Community College, Ginny and her staff send several students to our campus, as well as colleges and universities all over the country. Recently, they will also have another office in the Utica area so that they can assist more deserving students. We at HCCC work closely with On Point Counselors, and On Point students, and have witnessed personally many student success stories. Their organization also takes the time to honor others that assist their students, as two of us on our campus have received their "Campus Angel" awards for assistance to the students that they mentor. They do an excellent job and are worthy of any honor that is bestowed upon them.
I can't say enough about On Point and their staff! They assisted my daughter with travel, books, and guidance during a very crucial period of adjustment. My daughter's freshman year came with some unexpected tradegies with the deaths of her grandfather,classmate, and good friend. On Point not only provided the academic support but also expressed the personal care that was much needed during this very difficult time. Sam Rowser is a great leader that is committed to On Point being a outstanding resource for our community. I hope On Point is around for many generations to come, continuing the exceptional support and guidance for our students pursing a college education!
On Point for College is one of the most caring and effective college access programs in the country! The founder and CEO, Ginny Donohue, has the gift and skills to find the right people to work with the students. The staff are a professional, knowledgeable, loving group that works tirelessly to encourage high school students to consider college, helps them with their applications, finds financial support, provides school and dorm essentials, visits, mentors and counsels them along the way, and helps them find summer jobs and jobs after graduation. Moreover, On Point helps these young people increase undertanding of the incredibly precious people they are! I have had the privilege of being an enthusiastic volunteer driver and donor for nearly three years and have met over 75 On Point students. I see them developing a strong sense of personal responsibility (instead of dependency), an attitude of gratitude (instead of entitlement), and a heart to give back by working with younger students! On Point serves the students, the community and the country! It has been an indescribable privilege, joy and blessing to get to know and serve these students! Paul
This organization shines in our community of Syracuse, N.Y.The vision seems to include doing anything necessary, to assist these young people to realize their potential. Whether the need is high school outreach,college visits,application process,tutoring, summer jobs placement or transportation- On Point encompasses the whole picture. Staff have a can-do attitude, and they will do whatever it takes to assist youth in the program. I feel honored to volunteer to drive these young people back and forth from local colleges. Just think- many of these youth are the first in their families to attend college. They are our future, and their willingness to strive to reach their full potential- is something that I admire personally, and benefits our entire community
I've had the good fortune of being involved with this community changing organization for almost 12 years. Ginny Donohue the founder and current CEO has built a non profit operation that has changed the lives of over 1200 inner city children. I have personally mentored, driven, and assisted many young people so that they could go to college and achieve their dreams. The number of involved children grows every year. Grants and recognition have come from all over the country. This is one outstanding outfit! Marty L.
It has been so inspiring to see this organization grow to reach and impact so many youth since its inception. Ginny Donohue's passion and vision have fueled this growth, and now this organization is being viewed as a model in other other parts of the country. Ginny has the ability to attract professionals to OPFC who are talented and who share her passion for the mission. Sam Rowser and the rest of the team are dedicated and hard-working. I have observed their caring and sacrifice to serve their students and prospects, frequently going above and beyond. As a donor and volunteer, I am proud to support the work of this amazing organization, and invite you to do the same. Leslie Rose McDonald
On Point for College in Syracuse, NY is the best thing going for Syracuse Youth that are trying to move forward. They assist families and youth to get ready, get into, drop off and pick up our children so that they can keep their family connections while going to school. My son and I thank them so very much for all that they have done for our family and we would recommend this program to any family that meets their criteria exspecially low income families. We need you and thank you.
CUDOS! AND THANK YOU TO ON POINT FOR COLLEGE, GINNY, SAM AND THE WHOLE STAFF, YOU SAVED MY DAUGHTER AND ME NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN SHE ATTENDED SUNY UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, BUFFALO, NEW YORK. MY DAUGHTER GRADUATED IN JUNE 2005 AND WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE NURSING PROGRAM AND WE WERE TOLD SHE HAD TO BE AT UB FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS TO START IN AUGUST 2005 YEAR! WE HAD TO GET ALL THE PAPERWORK DONE, SUPPLIES, PERSONAL ITEMS A CHILD NEEDS FOR COLLEGE, IT WAS A VERY FRANTIC TIME! BUT WITH THE HELP AND SUPPORT OF ON POINT EMPLOYEE, SAM ROWSER, HELPING TO FILL OUT FINANCIAL AID FORMS, HELPING WITH DORM ROOM ITEMS AND PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION WE MADE IT AND THAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF MY DAUGHTER'S AISHA'S POSITIVE EXPERIENCE AT UB. DURING THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, ON POINT CAME THROUGH COUNTLESS TIMES ASSISTING WITH FINANCES, DORM SUPPLIES, CLASSROOM BOOKS AND SUPPLIES AND AGAIN THE MUCH NEEDED TRANSPORTATION, BACK AND FORTH FOUR TO FIVE TIMES A YEAR FOR THE NEXT WONDERFUL YEARS FIVE YEARS. WE LOVE ON POINT FOR COLLEGE STAFF AND WE THANK YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY FOR YOU LOVE, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT IN ALL AREAS OF COLLEGE LIFE! MY DAUGHTER WOULD NOT HAVE GRADUATED IF IT WEREN'T FOR THIS MUCH NEEDED EXCELLENT PROGRAM! ON POINT FOR COLLEGE ASSISTING THE SYRACUSE, NEW YORK COMMUNITY FOR OVER 15 YEARS! THANK YOU GINNY FOR HAVING THE INSIGHT AND HEART TO REACH OUT TO THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN SYRACUSE. WE LOVE YOU AND THE WORK AND COMMITTMENT YOU'VE SHOWN OVER AND OVER AGAIN! GOOD LUCK AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, GINNY DONAHUE AND SAM ROWSER THAT YOU AND YOUR STAFF ARE DOING! WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LKE YOU KEEPING THE SYRACUSE COMMUNITY GROWING ACADEMICLY STRONG AND MOVING FORWARD TO A BETTER TOMORROW! MUCH LOVE TO ALL! ELOISE J. LEFLORE FOR AISHA K. HASKINS, SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
On Point for college has assisted hundreds of students in Central New York to fulfill the dream of attending, and more importantly, graduating from college. Their unique program structure not only assists students in getting into college, but getting to a college campus and then providing consistent support while the student is there. 98% of OnPoint students carry several characteristics that in many cases would cause them to either not even attempt college, but many times unable to complete. Ginny Donahue's relentless pursuit of justice and fair treatment and attention to artificial barriers that higher educational institutions unintentionally place on students is what makes this non-profit shine. I am proud to be associated and support the tremendous work of her dedicated staff.
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. Ginny, Sam and their staff encourage and enable high school students--frequently with tremendous financial and social need-- an opportunity to pursue postsecondary education. They provide students critical information, support, and unending encouragement through what is often a daunting process for students and their families-- particularly for first-generation prospective college students or refugees. They equip students with all the tools they need to stay in school once they are enrolled including "last dollar" awards for books, supplies, food, and rent. On Point for College truly exhausts every option available to find, enroll, retain, and graduate students from college. I am proud to serve this organization because through their work they serve our community so well.
I have been involved with On Point for College for more than 8 years. I was also a member of their board for 6 years. OPFC never turns students away when they are in need. Their focus is the 18-25 yr old student but I have tutored a student who was even in her 30's. I am of the belief that education is the path out of these student's environment. Also education is the path to a better America, a better community, and a better world. On Point for College gives hope to those students/adults who never saw hope or a light at the end of their tunnel. The staff at On Point of College is amazing by being supportive throughout these students' college life. I could go on and on about this organization but I do not have time. It has been my pleasure to be a mentor, tutor, board member and transportation driver for these deserving students. I have learned so much from them. Thank you On Point.
I have been a volunteer for On Point for College for a number of years. I drive inner city students to and from their colleges as many have no means of transportation. I have met some of the neatest young people you would ever want to know in the course of my work. One young man was so excited about arriving at college that he couldn't stop dancing a jig. No one in his family had even been able to go to college before. Some students who arrived in Syracuse under refugee status have told me their stories of a journey with no hope to one of great opportunity. On Point for College is an organization that makes a great positive difference in the world.
Ginny or someone in her group goes to every graduation, sometimes 3 or 4 on a weekend. They travel all over the state to cheer on the graduates, sometimes when no family members are there.
It takes a village to raise a child...... This city helps to raise educated and productive adults by tutoring and providing supplies and rides to their schools. I am a volunteer who provides rides to our shining stars and help them realize their dreams.
On Point for College has helped me in many different ways. It is a place that I can go whenever I'm in need or have questions about anything. Coming from such a small urban area, I didn't think that it was possible for me to attend a university but this organization allowed me to know that I could. Through On point for College I was able to obtain financial aid and was supported through every decision that I made. I am a first hand witness of the amazing things that this organization is capable of and I know that they will continue with their success.
On Point for College, Inc. has helped me to overcome many personal obstacles on my path to becoming a professional woman. As a recent grad from SUNY Plattsburgh and alumni of the program, I feel I owe the staff and advisers much gratitude for encouraging me to utilize the interpersonal skills I have to advance personally and into career-oriented growth. The members of this organization have supported me by providing funding, transportation, housing, mentoring, and whatever else I have needed in order to become a more well-rounded student with a diverse background. The motivation they have instilled in me has captivated my interest in public relations. This organization as a whole works very efficiently and I believe that On Point for College, Inc. plays an integral role into shaping young people into the leaders they are destined to be.
I am a volunteer driver for On Point for College students. I have delivered first generation students to college for the first time, seeing them arrive on campus with fear...and hope. I have picked those same students up for winter break and heard their stories of accomplishment and pride. I have seen their parents' gratitude for helping their child realize their dreams of a college education. So many students from inner city homes just need a little support and encouragement, and that's what On Point for College does for them. This is an outstanding organization.
I have witnessed On Point for College change the lives of thousands of students from Syracuse inner city. To date, On Point has helped 3,600 young people go to 216 colleges and universities, including homeless youths and refugees. Despite tremendous challenges in their lives, On Point for College students earn degrees at higher rates than the national average for college students. In addition to college visits, help with financial aid, and school supplies, more than 100 On Point volunteers provide transportation to and from college for anyone who needs it. This program removes barriers to higher education and changes lives like no other.