Under the leadership of Executive Director Samuel Rowser, On Point for College provides the opportunity to change lives, one life at a time, by enabling students to fulfill their college and career dreams.
The organization is dedicated to developing programs and cultivating relationships to change the lives of traditional and non-traditional, 17- to 29-year-old students by breaking down barriers through access to training, college and careers for success in life. On Point for College has been especially helpful this year as students were faced with the additional difficulties brought on by Covid restrictions. This organization works with students from application to graduation and beyond, making higher education accessible to youth who have the desire and the will, but who feel college is out of reach due to economic, academic and other barriers.
On Point for College Utica has been honoring star students and partners since 2012, helping more than 1600 first-generation Utica adults overcome obstacles to their success, who go on to enroll in college. More than 600 students have graduated with the help of On Point for College, an organization dedicated to removing academic and economic barriers for students who often lack the means to advance their learning beyond high school. To celebrate these successes, On Point for College is hosting a virtual event Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 5:00 PM. The link to the free celebration event is onpointforcollege.org/celebration , and on 95.5FM The Heat Phoenix Radio.
Awards will be given to the following honorees:
The On Point for College Campus Angel Award is given to an individual at a college or university who has gone above and beyond to help On Point’s first-generation, lower-income students overcome challenges and empower their success. For ongoing student support, the 2021 On Point for College Utica Campus Angel Award goes to MVCC Equal Opportunity Program Counselor J. Manny Sabillon.
On Point for College Utica’s Foundation of Hope Awards are given to organizations and individuals who have effectively partnered to positively help change our students lives and communities. This year’s Foundation Award will be given to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Utica Regional President Eve Van de Wal personally. Excellus BCBS and Eve have been amazing partners with On Point on programs benefiting our community, internships, jobs, mentoring and empowerment.
The On Point for College Utica Achieving the Dream Award is given to organizations and individual leaders who, through their leadership, investments and collaboration, have helped make the educational and career dreams of our students come true. This year’s recipients, Adirondack Bank and President Rocco Arcuri, have provided steadfast support for On Point for College events, programs, student internships and jobs, demonstrating their priority to make student dreams a reality.
The On Point Make a Difference Award is given to an individual whose work with On Point has made a difference in the lives of On Point students. An amazing advisor, advocate and caring partner for On Point for College students statewide and nationally, this year’s Make a Difference Award recipient is New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Director of Federal Relations, Frank Ballmann.
You can become a sponsor of On Point for College, and help future students succeed:
Sponsorship levels
$65 College Admission Sponsor
$100 Internet Access Sponsor
$250 Textbooks Sponsor
$500 Student Laptop Sponsor
For more information call Kevin Marken at 315-454-7293 or make your donation to help sponsor a student’s educational dreams come true online at: www.onpointforcollege.org/celebration
Sponsors making this event possible include: Adirondack Bank, Herkimer State University of New York, the Heat Phoenix Radio, PJ Green Printing, and WFXV 33 Eyewitness News.
