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Onondaga Community College students from Fayetteville-Manlius, Marcellus, New York Mills, and Nottingham High Schools are being honored with statewide recognition for excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

The challenging life Amira Busuladzic grew up in helped determine her career path. "There was a lot of domestic violence. I knew I needed to be someone for a child who needs that support and guidance. I knew Human Services (degree program) was something I needed to do."

When Sabirin Hassan came to the United States from Somalia five years ago the only English she knew was "how are you?" She expanded her vocabulary by watching movies with the subtitles on and reading children's books. "I worked really hard to learn English," she said.

A new agreement between Say Yes Syracuse and Onondaga Community College will help Syracuse City School District graduates who attend OCC with their housing costs. The new Preferred Partners Program will provide students with the following benefits:

Taha Hayali had a unique "you're not in high school any more" moment. It happened in the fall of 2022 while he was taking classes on the Onondaga Community College campus but technically was still an 11th grade high school student. He noticed in class students would leave for the restroom without asking permission. "I just saw people get up and go! You didn't have to be excused. I remember the first time I did it and I looked around the room to see if anyone would notice or say anything!"

Onondaga Community College has several new academic programs which students can enroll in for the fall 2023 semester.

The list includes two new programs which could lead to a position at Micron or other employers.

Chidera Joseph is stunning, hilarious, and brilliant.

She's a far cry from the 11-year-old girl who immigrated to the United States from Nigeria after being orphaned. Joseph credits Onondaga Community College with making a life-changing difference in her journey. "My second semester at OCC and the support I received there is why I am where I am today. I may be physically away from OCC, but it is always in my heart."

If you're interested in a career in the food and hospitality industry, Onondaga Community College can give you everything you need to succeed. "Our students learn how to manage, they learn accounting, they learn how to control costs, they become certified in sanitation, and they learn how to manage human resources. We give them the tools they need to leave here and become an entry level manager or start their own small business," said Chef James Taylor, Chair of OCC's Hospitality Management program.

Tevin Martin is a 30-year-old student who is pursuing two degrees and is extremely active in clubs and organizations. "I have a long way to go and OCC is a great place for me to become the student I need to be. I have a much clearer sense of who I am, what I'm doing here, and what it takes. I see every day as an opportunity to become myself."