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Balqiisa J-Elmi had a plan. She would graduate from PSLA at Fowler and move on to her dream school, Loyola University Chicago. But when her plans fell through, her high school advisor recommended she attend Onondaga Community College and apply to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Within a month of her high school graduation, J-Elmi entered EOP's Pre-Freshman Summer Institute. She lived on campus for a month-and-a-half and completed two college math courses. "I remember being devastated when I realized I wouldn't be attending Loyola.

Michael Speach '02 is dedicated to helping his community, and throughout the month of August students who receive scholarships from the OCC Foundation will benefit.

Colleen Stevens never saw it coming. At this summer's APACS Conference & Annual Meeting, she was the most surprised person in the room when presented with the prestigious Dr. John Staley Award for Outstanding Service. "We go to this conference every year and they give out awards, usually to people who have been in roles for a while. When my name was announced, it took me a minute to understand it all. I was really surprised and really honored."

Finding affordable, reliable childcare is one of the most significant issues facing families. In fact, a March 2024 report titled The Status of Childcare in New York State shows the lack of access to affordable childcare is forcing New Yorkers out of the workforce.

Drones, rocket building, rubber band racers, soldering... those are some of the STEM-related activities students were engaged in during the Micron-sponsored Chip Camp July 24, 25, and 26. More than 90 students entering 7th grade at 10 different Onondaga County schools participated. Onondaga Community College hosted activities for two days, and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo also welcomed students for a day. The hands-on activities related to semiconductor manufacturing and engineering encourage students to see and experience what engineers and scientists do.