We understand that navigating the transition to college and persisting semester to semester can present unique challenges, especially for students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or been orphaned. We recognize the strength and resilience you’ve demonstrated to reach this point, and we are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need to thrive.

The Lazers Fostering Success College Program was specifically designed with you in mind. Our aim is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where you can build strong connections, find a sense of belonging, and achieve your academic and personal goals. We know that fostering a strong community is essential, and this program is dedicated to helping you connect with peers, mentors, and faculty who understand your journey and are here to champion your success.

Eligible students who attend Onondaga Community College have the opportunity to become active members of the LFSCP program. Interested students should submit a completed LFSCP application with supporting documents no later than August 1 for the fall semester and no later than December 31 for the spring semester.

Any OCC student who has been in the foster care system is invited to fill out the LFSCP application.

Learn more about LFSCP

Vision

Enrich the academic, social, and emotional journey of our students, guide them towards achieving the pinnacle of their educational and social pursuits through successful graduation and career placement or university transfer options upon completion.

Mission

Provide a transformative experience that empowers, motivates, and supports students who have experienced foster care, homelessness or been orphaned through a comprehensive program at Onondaga Community College dedicated to providing a holistic education for academic and social success with viable career or university transfer options upon completion.

Overview

Onondaga Community College’s Lazers Fostering Success College Program (LFSCP) will focus on fostering success for foster care students, students who experienced homelessness or been orphaned entering college. The program will be run by dedicated professionals from across the College.

Goals

  • Challenge stigma and misconceptions surrounding foster care.
  • Foster a sense of community and belonging for participants.
  • Facilitate skill development and personal growth.
  • Enrich the lives of students through comprehensive support services.
  • Provide resources and opportunities to an underserved population.
  • Must have experienced foster care, homelessness or been orphaned.
  • Interview with the LFSCP Staff Member Panel.
  • Must maintain good academic standing.
  • Maintain 2.5 Cumulative GPA
  • Maintain 12 credits or above per semester unless permission is granted otherwise in your last semester.
  • Must maintain good conduct standing within the College.
  • Attend weekly mentor meetings.
  • Participate in monthly family meals, unless express permission is granted.
  • Must attend one campus event per month (no less than 4 per semester).
  • Meet with the LFSCP Navigator once per month.
  • Meet with a financial aid advisor at both the beginning and end of each semester.
  • Must complete FAFSA by May 1 of every academic year and any supporting financial aid documents required by the College
  • Meet with a Career and Transfer Specialist at least twice per semester.
  • Visit with each professor during their office hours at least twice per semester, with the first visit occurring within the first 15 days of the semester.
  • If a professor does not hold office hours, you are required to meet with them before or after class.
  • For online courses, you must initiate contact via email or Microsoft Teams to schedule a meeting or engage in a meaningful academic discussion.

*Failing to maintain the above will result in one semester of probation until you get back into good standing. Failure to achieve good standing within the program will result in dismissal after the probationary period is over.

To remain in good standing with the LFSCP Program, students must meet the following requirements each semester: 

  1. Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
  2. Maintain at least 12 credit hours unless permission is granted otherwise in your last semester.
  3. Visit each professor during their office hours at least twice per semester, with the first visit occurring within the first 15 days of the semester.
    1. If a professor does not hold office hours, you are required to meet with them before or after class.
    2. For online courses, you must initiate contact via email or Microsoft Teams to schedule a meeting or engage in a meaningful academic discussion.
  4. Maintain good conduct standing with the College and in the Resident Halls.
  5. Attend weekly mentor meetings.
  6. Participate in monthly family meals.
  7. Meet with a financial advisor at both the beginning and end of each semester.
  8. Meet with the LFSCP Navigator once per month, starting within the first 3 weeks of the semester. 9. Meet with a Career and Transfer Specialist at least twice per semester.
  • LFSCP students who remain in good standing at the end of each fall and spring semester are eligible for the following incentives:
  • $250 Participation Stipend for maintaining good standing per semester.
  • Academic Achievement Awards based on semester GPA:
    • GPA 3.0 – 3.49: Additional $100 - GPA 3.5 – 3.99: Additional $250 - GPA 4.0:
  • Additional $250 award totaling $500
  • Recognition plaque
  • Lunch with the President of Onondaga Community College and LFSCP Staf