Zaineb "Zayy" Aden comes to Onondaga Community College every day with a deep sense of responsibility. She's the oldest of 13 children, and at the end of this semester she'll be the first member of her family to earn a college degree. "I want to be a good role model for my siblings and show them they can do it too. It's very important to me."
The decision to choose the P-TECH program was an easy one for Muhina Mberwa. "I saw an opportunity to earn college credits in high school and get my college degree for free. I thought 'free college and I can do something I want? Why not!'"
P-TECH stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. It's a program that provides high school students the opportunity to work toward their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously, and ultimately a pathway to an in-demand job.
Life circumstances propelled Dorothy Davis toward a health-related career without her even realizing it. When she was growing up and her father became ill, her mother decided to go back to school and earn her Certified Nursing Assistant certification so she could support the family. Davis helped her mother study and, in the process, learned right along with her. By her junior year at Lisbon Central High School in northern New York, it seemed perfectly reasonable for her to enroll in a two-year medical program. At age 18, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Saray Quevedo is this year's recipient of the New York State Sheriff's Association scholarship. Newly-elected Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley and Lieutenant Crayg Dykes came to campus February 15 and presented Quevedo with a certificate and a check. "This means so much to me to be recognized, and the money is important too. My mom is on disability and every penny helps."
Molly Upah has known since 6th grade her life's work would revolve around psychology. "We had to do a career presentation for class. I was interested in psychology and I haven't changed my mind since then."
After graduating from Liverpool High School in 2021, she followed the footsteps of her two older siblings and came to Onondaga Community College. Both came here first, then transferred to four-year schools. "Coming here is what I was always going to do."
New SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. got a highly concentrated crash course in all things Onondaga Community College when he visited campus February 17. During his 3 hours here, OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton took him on a whirlwind tour of the following places:
Onondaga Community College Alumni will have the opportunity to put their Lazer pride on display at an upcoming Syracuse Crunch hockey game.
Friday, March 10 is OCC Alumni Night at the Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial! The Crunch will play Laval Rocket, an affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens based in Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Discounted tickets are available for $18 each. They are in section 123 at ice level Section 123 is between the blue line and the goal. Tickets for OCC Alumni can be ordered:
Please fill out this form if you participate in campus photo and video shoots.
When Matt Olson started hearing about opportunities in the P-TECH program, he was an 8th grade student at Pulaski Junior-Senior High School. "My parents encouraged me to do it. They told me it was a good idea."
The life struggles Keshari Kharka '16 witnessed and the support she received when she came to the United States motivated her to spend her life helping others. "I love this country and so appreciate all of the kindness, support, and opportunities shown to me when I arrived here. Being part of a system that not only accepts you, but also provides opportunity to fulfill your dreams is a blessing."
