Wor-Wic Community College will benefit from a state-philanthropic partnership that will allocate funds toward a program to help ensure more students graduate on time: the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) initiative.
Originally created at the City University of New York (CUNY), ASAP helps eliminate barriers by providing students with a comprehensive suite of financial, academic, and personal resources and services, ensuring that they stay on track and graduate on time. A randomized control trial found ASAP almost doubled graduation rates and reduced the cost of degrees thanks to time saved.
At Wor-Wic, students in the ASAP program will receive enhanced tutoring, financial aid for transportation and materials, and wraparound supports tailored to adult and nontraditional students.
“We have seen this work at other colleges, so we’re glad to be able to offer it on the Lower Shore,” said Dr. Michael Hutmaker, vice president for student affairs. “Students will be able to attend school full-time and complete their degree in a shorter amount of time. This will allow them to move on to the workforce or transfer to a four-year school sooner. These components all lead to meeting the college’s goals.”
In 2024, Wor-Wic started its Fins to the Finish Line program pilot, supported by a grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to help students move from part-time to full-time studies. “We are building on the foundation created by the success of Fins to the Finish Line to help our students complete their degree quicker and provide the additional wraparound supports and some financial assistance,” Hutmaker said. “Additional focus will be placed on transfer and career readiness will be a part of the student experience. The program focuses on student completion by encouraging students to stay on track as full-time students.”
The program will be supported at Wor-Wic thanks to grants from the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs, an evidence-based, philanthropic partnership between the state of Maryland and Arnold Ventures, who put $14.4 million in matching funds to four community colleges in the state to support implementation of ASAP. The Wor-Wic foundation will help finance the matching portion.
“Helping our students succeed is at the heart of what we do, and the foundation is proud to support this program which has demonstrated measurable, positive outcomes by providing matching funds,” said Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the foundation and development.
“We extend our thanks to Gov. Wes Moore, Secretary Sanjay K. Rai, Brad Phillips, Ed.D., our state partners and Arnold Ventures for their vision and commitment to Maryland’s community in colleges,” said Deborah Casey, Ph.D., president of Wor-Wic. “At Wor-Wic, our faculty and staff work tirelessly to create pathways to success. This opportunity represents a major step forward in expanding access and ensuring more of our students can earn a credential or degree that changes their lives.”
